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She told herself that she was feeling this way because of Valentine. Daniel had been strong, decisive and protective. And it was perfectly fine to lean on someone occasionally. That didn’t make her weak or incapable. It made her human. And any woman would feel fluttery under those circumstances.
He studied her for a long, disconcerting moment and then turned and tugged open the fridge. “I wasn’t expecting guests, so the level of hospitality isn’t going to impress you. I have cheese and cold cuts that will go perfectly with the wine. And don’t tell me you’re not hungry. You need to eat. If you don’t, you’ll faint and I’ve delivered my quota of medical care for one day.” He pulled various items from the fridge, removed the wrappings and arranged them on plates. “No bread. Wait there while I make a call.”
She took another sip of wine, promising herself that she’d eat a few mouthfuls and then make her excuses and go to bed. She’d close the door between them and everything would be fine.
As she formulated her plan, she heard him say “Do you have any of your delicious bread?” to someone on the phone, and wondered who he could be calling this late. Did he intend to go roaming Manhattan looking for fresh bread? Or was he ordering takeout?
Moments later there was a knock on the door and she heard a female voice. “I brought bread, and you’re in luck because I was experimenting with bite-size quiches for an event we’re doing next month, so I need tasters. Try it and tell me what you think.”
“Isn’t Lucas doing that?”
“He already has. His feedback was ‘tasty,’ but he says if I don’t cook a big fat juicy steak sometime in the next twenty-four hours, he’s going to put me in a book and kill me.”
Recognizing the voice, Molly slid off the stool and walked to the door. “Eva?”
The pretty blonde laughing with Daniel turned her head. “Molly! Well, this is a surprise.” She thrust the food she was carrying into Daniel’s arms and the next moment Molly was wrapped in a cloud of perfume, warmth and friendship.
“What are you doing here?” She pulled away, thinking not for the first time that Eva was possibly the friendliest person she’d ever met. “I thought you lived in Brooklyn?”
“I do. I mean, I did. I spend most of my time here now because I’m with Lucas, and I can’t drag him awa
y when he’s on a deadline. Also his kitchen makes an amazing backdrop for my YouTube videos. What are you doing here? Now I think of it, this is the first time I’ve ever met a woman in Daniel’s apartment.” She gave Daniel a meaningful look and Molly intervened.
“Valentine is sick, and Daniel helped me, and this place is closer to the vet’s so—”
“Valentine is sick?” Eva’s expression changed from curious to worried. “How sick?” The horror in her voice made it all the more real and Molly felt the panic she’d suppressed bubble to the surface again.
“Pretty sick.”
“But he’s going to be fine,” Daniel said. “How do you two know each other?”
“Molly is a client of Urban Genie. We were the ones who fixed her up with the Bark Rangers. Do you have everything you need? You’re happy with your choice of vet? Can I fill your fridge? Do your laundry? Anything at all that will help you focus on Valentine, just let me know.”
Molly was so touched that for a moment she couldn’t speak.
Daniel took over. “You can fill my fridge,” he drawled. “The contents are pitiful.”
“You don’t have a meal plan?”
“My plan is to get my guests drunk so that they don’t notice the lack of food.”
Eva laughed. “I took a call from Marsha today. Do you know about that?”
“Is this about the summer party?”
“That’s the one. I knew you were behind it. Thank you.”
“Much as I’d love to claim the credit, it was all Marsha’s idea. Your reputation is spreading.”
“You won’t regret it. I promise it will be a party to remember.”
“It usually is, although often for the wrong reasons. Certain members of my team tend to let their hair down.”
“Nothing we can’t handle. Now go and eat.” Eva gestured to the food. “The quiches only came out of the oven half an hour ago so they’re still warm. Do you have salad? I can get some.”
“You should join us,” Molly said impulsively. Any moment now the door would close behind Eva and she would be left alone with Daniel. She wasn’t sure she could handle the deepening intimacy.
His questioning glance told her he knew exactly why she’d issued the invitation.
