Ryder should have stayed at the Lair until closing time.

Not that his staff needed him there to run the place smoothly. Until Diana had come into his life, he'd been at either his bar or his restaurant virtually every night...mainly because he had nothing else to do. Maybe he should have gone to Diego's when hed called wanting to speak to him in person about Council business. But Ryder had wanted to be home instead. That had been hours ago, and Diana was still in her office. He'd be damned if he let her avoid him again. They had to face what had happened. Because of all the places he could go, the only place he wanted to be was here with her. Bolting from the bed, he dashed down the stairs, taking them two at a time. His feet barely touched the polished hardwood floors until he jerked to a halt in front of her door. Still closed. He heard the rustle of papers behind it, but he was tired of waiting. He flung the door open. She spun around with a shocked gasp, papers clutched to her chest. Her surprise flipped to anger. Ever hear of knocking? She skimmed her gaze up and down his naked body, and she arched a dark brow. Or pants? He smiled, loving her brashness, experiencing a brief moment of pleasure because his nakedness brought a flush to pale cheeks and a glitter of life to those tired eyes. But the moment was spoiled by the shadows smudged beneath her eyes and the weary droop of her shoulders. He sauntered toward her and only stopped when inches separated them. Her hands fluttered nervously as she set aside the papers. Then she laced her fingers together, and raked her gaze along his body again. This close, it was impossible not to hear the skip in her heartbeat and smell her growing arousal. It stirred his desire. Passion had never been an issue between them, but there was something more important binding them together now. We need to talk, he said.

Her gaze dipped down again to his growing erection before fixing on his face. Seems to me you have more in mind than just talk. He cupped her cheek. Were you really still working? Or are you just avoiding me? I'm not avoiding you. She snagged his hand off her face and gripped it tightly, as if afraid of his touch. I think you are.