Gabe was dozing on the couch when I came down with his tray. I chewed my lip, not sure if I should wake him. I would love it if he slept all damn day and stopped trying to charm me.

Despite my best efforts, it was working.

I'd even let him kiss me. I had no idea what had come over me. It was irresponsible to say the least. And bad, bad, bad.

Stupid and dangerous and bad.

I sighed. He needed his meds. I nudged his shoulder lightly.

"Are you asleep?"

He shook his head and cracked an eye at me.

"Just daydreaming."

"About what?"

He grinned at me and I had a sudden urge to disappear. I knew what that smile said. It said he'd been daydreaming about me. And it made me feel all warm and goosebumpy all over.

I shook my head, trying to be cool.

"Why did I ask?"

"It's obvious."

"Oh, it is, is it?"

"You're curious about the inner thoughts of such a strong, manly... man."

I laughed. I couldn't help it. He was so funny. And he was flirting with me.

I wasn't used to this kind of flirting. Usually guys just commented on the way I looked. But this was different. Sweeter. I didn't know what to make of it.

That was a lie. I liked it. I liked it a lot.

For the first time in my life, a man was flirting with me. The right way. No grabbing or suggestive comments. Just... making me feel appreciated.

Making me laugh.

Either way though, I didn't have time for an entanglement. I had to work. And this was a job, no matter how ridiculously charming he was being.

He sat up and patted the couch beside him.

"Sit with me."

"No, Gabe."

"Why not?"

"You can't kiss me again."

"Why not?"

I sighed heavily. He was being way too persistent. He reminded me of a child. Oddly enough I found it endearing.

Annoying, but endearing.

And really only annoying because I was having trouble ignoring him.

I put on my best nurse voice. Also known as my Sunday school voice. Though I'd never taught Sunday school.

"I'm working."

He smiled.

"Oh that. Well, what are you doing later?"

"Working."

"Are you waiting tables tonight?"

I sighed.

"No. Today I work until five."

"So, I will start kissing you at 5:03.”

I laughed again. But I shook my head.

"Gabe, be serious. You're cute but don't bother."

He perked up like a puppy hearing a can opener.

"I'm cute?"

"No! I mean, I just meant- oh, never mind."

He batted his eyelashes at me. I had to get out of here. If I stayed around him I was going to cave. As much as I needed the money, I needed to not get my soul crushed more.

And I had a feeling that Gabe could crush me. Without even trying.

My eyes watered suddenly.

Oh no. Please, please, please do not start weeping here.

For someone who never cried, I was turning into a damn sprinkler.

"You should eat. You were supposed to take your meds five minutes ago."

He smiled at me, raising his eyebrows.

"You are so strict. I can handle that though."

I bit my lip to stop myself from asking him what he meant. I shouldn't have worried though. He picked up his sandwich and took a bite. Then he kept talking.

"The military trained me to withstand all sorts of adverse conditions."

"Is that so?"

He ate one of the celery spears I'd cut up and put on the plate instead of chips. I was going to get him healthy. He seemed to like the food I made him, thankfully.

Oh, but he wasn't done yet.

“Freezing temperatures. Sleet. Snow. Rain. Hunger. Hard-hearted women."

My mouth opened. His words were light but he was staring at me with a serious look in his eyes. Like he could see right through me.

"So go ahead. Dish it out woman. I was born to suffer."

That sounded like... a promise.

"Hell, if it's you doing the torturing, I might even enjoy it."

I stood there, frozen to the spot. I was a deer in headlights in front of his high beams. Just waiting for him to make me another trophy.

I shook myself mentally. Reminded myself that I was no one's trophy. I was a person, not a challenge. Even though I was enjoying his attention, it would not end well for me if I gave in.

When I gave in, unless I put some space between the two of us.

"Here are your meds. Then I think you should lie down for a nap."

He took his pills obediently.

"Will you rub my back again?"

I inhaled at the suggestive look in his eyes. Suggestive, but not crude. It made me feel... warm inside.

"Not today."

He grinned at me.

"Can I rub you?"

I stood up straight and stepped back.

"That's not funny, Gabe."

"I'm not joking. You work so hard, I thought you could use it."

I stared at him, my mouth open like a fish. How was I supposed to answer that? I probably did need a back rub. To be honest, I didn't think I'd ever had one. I wondered what it would be like, having someone put their energy and care into you. Taking the time to really make me feel nice.

I didn't know. And now was not the time to find out.

I left him alone to finish his sandwich. One thing I knew for sure, I had to keep my wits about me. This was a dangerous situation, not to mention unprofessional.

I wanted to be a nurse, dammit. It was an important job. It meant something.

And that meant keeping my distance from my way too adorable patient.