While she did more complaining, he checked the lock on the bathroom window, too. Making note of her red-faced anger, Jackson started out of the room. “Go ahead and do whatever it is you have to do while I check the other rooms.”

He stepped out the bedroom door and rethought his exit just in the nick of time.

His flattened hand kept her from slamming it shut. “Understand, Alani. If you lock me out, and I need to get back in, your door will suffer.” He shouldered his way back in past her discontent. “C’mon honey. Work with me here.”

“You’re bulldozing again.”

Jackson thought about it. “Okay.” He put his hands, palms out, in his back pockets and took up a comfortable stance. “Here’s the deal. I need to check the other rooms. I need to know that the windows are secure. I have to be familiar with every egress, all the phones and computers. I need the layout of the house and each room. And no, it’s not because I expect anything to happen. I’d do the same even if I hadn’t been drugged last night.”

Her golden eyes searched his, and her anger melted away. “You seriously live that way?”

“Cautious? You betcha.” Always, but especially with her security at stake. “If it bothers you that much for me to see your place, then I’m sorry. You can come along with me if you like. I don’t mind the company. But either way, I’m looking around.”

Alani dropped back against the door frame. “There’s a guest bedroom, guest bath and my office.” She waved a hand. “Feel free. But please don’t snoop.”

“You think I would?”

“Ha!” She rolled her eyes at him. “I know you would.”

Jackson smiled. “Yeah, maybe.” If he had a reason or thought he’d find something interesting. “But I’ll respect your privacy as much as I can.”

Expression dubious, she warned, “Don’t go fumbling through the records on my desk. I have them neatly organized.”

“Fumble? You don’t have a real high opinion of my skills, do you?” To take the sting out of that rebuke, he dragged her close for a kiss. “It’s a wonder I’ve survived so long without you.”

A LITTLE SLACK-JAWED, Alani watched as Jackson meandered down the hall and disappeared into her office. His long-legged, rangy walk set her heart to tripping; the thought of him going through her personal files slowed it again.

She snapped her mouth shut.

Was that parting shot of his mockery over her criticism or a sincere statement reflecting what they’d shared, the bond they’d forged last night?

A bond that only she could remember.

Groaning, she put her hands over her face and slumped back into her bedroom. She quietly closed the door and dropped back against it.

Being honest with herself, she had to admit that deep inside, she’d been expecting—maybe even hoping—that he’d press the issue of intimacy. He wanted her again. He’d been more than open and upfront about that.

But instead, he chose to honor her wishes, the wishes she knew to be more responsible. More reasonable.

It would be a very long night.

Taking her time, Alani freshened up, tidying her hair, brushing her teeth, giving her makeup a boost. With nothing more to do, she girded herself for Jackson’s impact, both emotional and physical, and went in search of him.

She opened her bedroom door and found him right there in the hallway, leaning against the wall, relaxed, waiting for her.

Before she could apologize for making him wait, he straightened. “Ready?”

“Yes.”

She stepped out, and his warm palm curved to the small of her back.

Alani felt the touch everywhere. But then, even if he hadn’t touched her, she’d have been acutely aware of him beside her. When Jackson was in a room, he occupied everything—the space, the air, the attention of those around him.

Knowing they were alone, with the bedrooms at their backs, quickened her breath.

“I parked down around the corner.”

Surprise slowed her steps, but since Jackson kept walking, she did, too. It hadn’t occurred to her that his car was missing. If she’d seen it on the street in front of her house or in her driveway, she’d have been forewarned of his visit.

And maybe she would have avoided him.

“You didn’t want me to know you were here?”

“I didn’t want anyone else to know.” His hand slid to her hip and nudged her a little closer to him. “In case I was followed, no way did I want to lead anyone to you.”

Another reminder of the danger. “Well, you should bring your car up to my driveway now.”

“Maybe later.” He stopped at the entrance to her small living room where so much drama had already gone down. “For now, how about we take your car?”

“All right.” She didn’t mind that. With all he’d been through, it’d probably be better if he wasn’t driving. Sure, he had to be macho and swear he felt no side effects from being drugged, but how could that be? If she took cold medicine, it wiped her out, and he’d been given a drug so heavy-duty that it had obliterated his memory.

In the kitchen, she found her purse, keys and Jackson’s hat. She rejoined him in the foyer.

He took the hat from her, slid it onto his head and then held out a hand.

One brow raised, Alani looked at him questioningly.

“Keys?” he prompted.

She slid her purse strap over her shoulder. “That’s okay. I’ll drive.”