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his senses to make sure it was safe, then focused on his destination.
    The quiet, dark stillness of his office cloned that of his mood. Gabby hadn’t arrived yet. A smile spread to his lips. He loved when he was able to surprise her by getting to work first.
    This morning, though, his anxiety outweighed his smugness. He sighed and sat down behind his desk where he waited—and waited—with his fingers entwined, resting on the blotter, and his legs crossed at the ankles. He’d tried pacing, but it only added to the nervous energy currently driving him to the verge of madness.
    Every inch of him knew the moment Gabrielle entered the outer office. Not only did his heart start beating and the ache in his chest disappear, but her scent entered with her, causing his nose to flare and his every muscle to go taut in anticipation.
    He tried to stay sitting behind the large desk, but having an obstacle between him and his female was more than he could handle. The battle was lost and Nikolai knew it. To his surprise, he didn’t care. His feelings for her started with a single touch three years ago and had grown into love. He waited for a few minutes, listening as she turned on her computer and stowed her things in her desk.
    When she flipped on the small radio on her desk, he cursed. Well, hell. If she wasn’t going to come to him, he would have to close the gap between them—emotionally and physically.
    He raked his fingers through his hair, pulling slightly in frustration. Despite his every effort to stay in his chair, he stood, then strode to the door with confidence he didn’t feel. His hand wrapped around the handle but he paused to take a breath.
    What if she was avoiding him? What if everything that happened last night had freaked her out? What if…?
    The door opened only to stop as it whacked into him; his head and chest absorbing most of the impact. His eyes watered and his nose ran. He sniffed and blinked, trying to see Gabrielle clearly.
    “ Oh!” She peeked through the opening in the doorway. “I’m so sorry, Niko. Are you okay?”
    She opened the door when it was safe and reached out toward him. Before contact was made she paused. Time stood still in that moment. Her hand shook where it suspended between them, and when she pulled back, Nikolai felt the retreat in his soul.
    “ I didn’t realize you were here already.” A quick evaluation of the office—and the lack of illumination—had her looking directly into his eyes. “Do you have a headache?”
    He rubbed at his temples. “Now that you mention it—”
    “ Can I get you some Tylenol?”
    “ No, Gabrielle,” he purred her name. “Tylenol can’t fix the ache I’m feeling.”
    “ Oh.” Her forehead wrinkled into the cutest look of confusion. “Is there anything I can get you that will?”
    Your love. Your heart. You.
    It wasn’t like he could make that kind of declaration. She’d probably go running for the hills.
    “ No. It will pass.” Someday. He rubbed absently at his chest where the real ache existed.
    “ Niko.” Her delicate hand curled timidly around his forearm, squeezing gently.
    Fire burned from the point of contact, spreading until his entire body was aflame from her simple touch. His eyes drifted closed and he concentrated on nothing except Gabby’s warm hand on his arm.
    She pulled back and he felt a chill rivaling an arctic blast. “About yesterday…” Her eyes met his, holding his gaze for a long moment before she shook her head. “I’ll be at my desk if you need anything.”
    That wasn’t what she’d meant to say, he was sure of it. But when the door closed, so had the opportunity to ask her to tell him what was really on her mind.
     
     
    Hours later Nikolai stood behind Gabrielle; one hand on her desk and the other on the back of her chair. Her body was well aware of the closeness, the brief contact of his chest brushing her shoulder. Her hands shook as she tried to notate the changes that needed to be made to