Shamira grimaced, managed to make it apologetic. "You've been great. I'd probably be even more of a basketcase than I am if it weren't for you. And Shane. No, he's making me a basketcase," she said.

That elicited a little grin. "Don't be too hard on him. His life . . . this world . . . it's complicated. He wants to do right by you. Actually, he wants to 'do' you too, but who doesn't?"

Her friend rolled her eyes. "Is that all anyone around Shane's house ever thinks about?"

"When we can." Clara's hand fell on Shamira's legs, caressing the inner part of that denim-clad thigh. "It's much...