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downstairs. Three patrol cars pulled up at the curb near the front of the building and several armed officers dashed toward the entrance. Nothing she hadn’t seen before.
    A gentle hand rested on her shoulder. “You’re not safe here, Joanna.”
    She hugged her arms to her chest. “I don’t have a choice.”
    Rio took her arm and turned her to face him. His sultry expression had been replaced by one of unease. “Yes, you do have a choice.”
    â€œI promise I don’t. I’ve looked all over the city for another place to live and I can’t find anything I can afford.”
    â€œMaybe you haven’t looked in the right place.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    He dropped his hands and took a step back. “This might sound crazy, but you can live with me.”
    Crazy? Of all the absurd suggestions, this one had to top the list. “I don’t think so, Dr. Madrid.”
    â€œIt’s Rio, and let me clarify what I mean. I have an older restored house in a well-established neighborhood. There’s a nice room in the third-floor attic. It’s pretty big, and comfortable, with a private bath. The lady I bought the house from kept it as her reading room. You’d be comfortable there. And safe.”
    No matter how tempting the thought, she wouldn’t feel safe—at least from an emotional standpoint—livingin the same house with Rio Madrid, even if the place were a mansion. He already presented a huge temptation, a threat to her sanity and a menace to her emotions.
    Joanna had no intention of getting involved with another man at the moment, even if he was a successful doctor. She had more than enough worries to contend with. “I really appreciate the offer, but I barely know you.”
    â€œYou know me well enough to realize that I have your best interests at heart.”
    How could he sound so certain? “Why would you want to do this for me?”
    â€œBecause I’m worried about your safety.”
    She shook her head. “But I hardly have enough money to pay my rent here. My mother lives on a fixed income and I have to send money for my son. I have all these bills, thanks to my ex, and then—”
    â€œYou could pay me in other ways, nonmonetarily speaking.”
    Of all the nerve. “I will not be your—”
    â€œLet me rephrase that. Do you cook?”
    The man was frustrating her beyond belief, not to mention making her seriously consider his offer. “I’ve been known to prepare a meal or two.”
    â€œI’d like that every now and then. It beats canned pasta and frozen dinners.”
    Joanna fought the urge to say yes. Fought the allure of his tempting topaz eyes and renegade’s smile. Fought her own needs and desires making themselves known for the first time in ages. She couldn’t very well see him on a daily basis and keep all of that need out of the mix.
    â€œAgain, I really do appreciate the offer,” she said. “But I can’t accept.”
    Reaching into the back pocket of his jeans, he withdrew a photo and handed it to her. “If you won’t do it for yourself, then do it for him.”
    Joanna stared at the picture of Joseph for a long moment, the one she thought she’d lost, shock momentarily robbing her of her voice. “Where did you find it?”
    â€œOn the ballroom floor. I saw it fall, but by the time I got to it, you were gone.”
    Joanna held the snapshot close to her heart, so very thankful for its return. She had many pictures of her son, but this one was her favorite. She met Rio’s eyes and found compassion there. “I owe you a lot for this.”
    â€œYou owe your son, Joanna. He deserves to have his mother safe and secure until you two can be together again. I’m giving you that opportunity.”
    He was giving her too much food for thought, too much logic. She should resent him for using Joseph to confuse her, but she also