Michael sighed. “Okay. We can’t send her out like this.” He shook his finger at Gabe. “But you check her. And notify someone that she’s here.”

Gabe nodded. “I’ll even stay up with her tonight.”

“I have no doubt that you’re going to be ‘up’ tonight, but you’re just going to have to suffer. The woman’s in no shape to fend off your seductions.”

Gabe was affronted. “I have no intention of that tonight,” he hissed. “God, you’d think I was a rapist or something.”

Mike saw Christine glance up in fear at hearing the word, and he hastened over to help her to her feet and explain that Gabe’s mouth overrode his brain on a daily basis.

She cautiously peeked at the men. “I can’t stay here. I’m grateful but I don’t know you.”

“Husband or boyfriend to worry about?”

“Gabe!” Mike scowled at him. He really did sound like some serial predator.

“I have an ex-husband and a friend, but she has three kids at home. I wouldn’t want to bother her.”

“Well, then, it’s either us or the hospital. Which would you prefer?”

Her lips trembled as a tear spilled down her cheek. “I don’t have any health insurance yet, so I guess it’s here.” She straightened. “But I’ll be gone in the morning and I insist on paying you for your hospitality.”

Gabe started to protest, but Mike waylaid him with a hand on his shoulder. “We can talk details later. For now, let’s get you comfortable upstairs.” He reached for her gently and cradled her in his arms, trying not to think about how good she felt right there.

Gabe trudged behind them, opening the elevator to the top of the warehouse. When it stopped with a slight bounce, the door opened, and he ushered them in to a stunningly decorated room. “Welcome home.”

Both Michael and Christine hesitated at the unusual pronouncement.

“For tonight,” Christine murmured.

“Of course,” Gabe hastened to reply while Michael walked into the spare bedroom, wondering why he suddenly wanted her to stay forever.