It was such a strange question from her perspective. She'd always cared about others, constantly putting them before herself. Her students, her teammates, total strangers who needed her help. It was what she did, and she'd do just about anything for the people she held dearest. Todd had earned a place on that list long ago.

"Because I consider you my friend," she answered easily, her eyes on his. "More than that, really. You're important to me, so of course I care." There was little he could do that would ever stop her caring.