If things continued escalating between them on a similar track, she'd soon get the opportunity to witness his grief, and comfort him. But Steve refused to let his darker emotions take hold in the light of day, and he had a ready, perfect excuse to ignore them, right in his arms.

"I'm beginning to get the sense I should just shut up and smile when you say things like that," he said drily, unable to help the smile tugging his mouth up. "You, Ms. LeBeau, are Trouble. I've been warned about girls like you." He gave her a mock-severe look.