accidentally shined the flashlight in her eyes and caused her to lose her footing, she had felt so incredible in his arms. Her silky hair had brushed his chin and he'd been able to smell the scent of her shampoo. It was a simple, clean fragrance, but when mixed with Abby's own unique scent, she smelled delectable.

And he'd been barely able to keep his eyes off her as she drove him home last night. She had been so stiff and uneasy, trying to keep him at a distance. Until she had smiled. It had only been a small, fleeting curve of her mouth, but it had showed what lay beyond the walls she had erected around herself.

He then realized she wasn't aloof because she was snooty, but because she didn't trust easily. She had been hurt, and she wanted to protect herself. He could understand that, probably better than anyone. Damn, he wanted to break down her barriers and see the real Abby. Unfortunately, she had already offered some other guy that opportunity.

"So you planning to answer me or just stare at that fry you're holding?" Mason's voice pulled him out of his thoughts. "Sorry," Chase muttered, feeling a bit lame to be caught daydreaming. "No, no more Abby. At least, not unless she wants to be friends-which I don't think is very likely."

Mason frowned. "She sounds like too much work anyway."

She would be work, but Chase had the feeling she would be worth every ounce of sweat.

Abby hated to admit it, but she was actually relieved when her first day at Rand Labs was over. She loved the work and the people, but she just couldn't seem to stay on task. It was such an unusual feeling for her that by the time she left the lab, she decided she must be coming down with the flu or a cold. That could be the only explanation for her inability to concentrate.

But oddly, one of the symptoms of this virus was recurring thoughts of Chase. She would be adjusting her microscope, and instead of seeing the cells on the slide, she'd see Chase. Or when she was retrieving a petri dish from the incubator, she would hear the richness of his voice. And over and over, she found herself remembering the way his arms had felt wrapped around her.

Fortunately, she didn't think any of her fellow scientists noticed her lack of concentration. She hadn't made any mistakes on the experiments she had done, but she hadn't lost herself in her research like she usually did.

And not surprisingly, her drive home had been as much of a blur as her day at the lab. But she was determined to get a tight reign on her disruptive thoughts. She was normally a very levelheaded woman and not prone to daydreams. She must be more tired than she realized. A good night's sleep would have her back to normal, and she could commence her research with an uncluttered mind.

Getting out of her car, she grabbed her briefcase and started up the porch steps. She was so involved withnot thinking about Chase that she nearly stepped on the creature lying in front of her door.

She screamed, and the enormous beast rose to its feet, its bushy tail wagging back and forth as if a piercing shriek was just the greeting he'd been waiting for.

It only took Abby's startled mind a moment to realize the monster lying in wait was actually a dog. And if appearances could be trusted, a very friendly dog.

Abby didn't have much experience with the species, but she liked the ones she had encountered before. So with only slight trepidation, she extended her hand toward the animal.

"Hey, pup, where did you come from?"

The animal immediately lowered its head to retrieve a scrap of cloth from the porch's worn floorboards. Whatever the item was, it was evident the dog was very proud of the scrap, because he nudged it at her opened palm. Apparently, the bit of cloth was a gift for her.

With a pleased laugh, Abby patted the dog's furry head, and then shook out the cloth the dog had brought her.

For a moment she could only stare at the object. Then she laughed again.

The silly mutt had brought her a pair of men's boxers- with chili peppers on them, no less.

"Somehow I don't think you really had me in mind when you chose these," she said to the dog, reaching down again to rub its back.

The dog jerked its back leg in bliss, the movement causing the metal tags on his collar to jingle.

Abby moved her hand to check them. One said that his rabies shot was up to date. That was good.

And the second tag said his name was Chester.

"Well, hello, Chester."

The dog's tail thumped happily against the clapboards of the house in response.

"So, where do you belong, big guy?"

Abby flipped the silver nametag over, and on the back was the answer to her question.

Chase Jordan 117 Fletcher Road Millbrook, ME

Abby dropped the tag and shook her head as she continued to pet the animal. Even a dog bearing

underwear couldn't keep her thoughts from Chase for long. With that realization, she held up the boxers and looked at them more closely. Hot peppers. She shook her head again and smiled. Somehow they seemed appropriate.

"Come on, Chester. I think I'd better return you and your master's unmentionables. Come on, boy."

Chester happily followed her as they crossed the road and climbed the steps of Chase's porch.

She knocked on the door and waited. There was no sound. She knocked again, and this time she could

hear some muffled noise from inside. A few seconds later the door swung open, and Chase stood before her dressed only in a pair of jeans. His hair and chest were damp, and he held a towel loosely in one hand.

His expression appeared a bit irritated, but it quickly dissolved into a look of surprise.

"Abby," he said. Her name sounded absolutely sinful on his lips. "How are you?"

Abby blinked. Fine, except breathing was becoming only a voluntary reaction at the moment. She hadn't

expected to find him in such a state of undress. But how he looked in such a state was exactly what she'd expected- he looked wonderful. His skin was a smooth golden cover over the lean muscles of his chest and arms.

It took her a few moments to stop staring and answer his question.

"I'm returning Chester."

The time it took for her to regain her equilibrium had been enough for him to regain his composure too.

He leaned against the door frame, a sexy smile on his lips.

Abby could hear the rhythmic thumping of the dog's tail behind her when he heard his name; it matched the beat of her heart.

"He considers himself the welcoming committee on this street," Chase said.

Abby tried to keep her eyes on Chase's face, but they had a will of their own and wandered back down to the ridged flatness of his stomach and the enticing line of fine dark hair that swirled around his shallow bellybutton and disappeared intriguingly under the waistband of his jeans.

When she looked back up, she found him watching her with unconcealed interest. A broad grin deepened the dimple in his left cheek.

Heat burned Abby's already overheated flesh.

"I also wanted to return these," she blurted out, extremely embarrassed to be caught so blatantly admiring his physique.

It took a moment for Chase to realize what she was holding, but when he did, it was his turn to look uncomfortable. But he recovered much more admirably than she had.

He chuckled and took the boxers from her. "That mutt. I'm sorry. Not only does he feel the need to visit, but he also feels the need to bring gifts. You're lucky he didn't bring you one of my dirty socks.

They're a favorite of his."

Abby smiled. "I guess chili peppers do beat old tube socks."

She waited for Chase to respond, but his gaze was locked on her mouth. Self-consciously, she touched her fingers to her lips. Chase watched the action intently and then slid a hand into the pocket of his jeans. "Do you want to come in?"

"I should get home. I just wanted to return your pet and... your other thing."

"You know, since you've seen my boxers and all, I really feel it demands that we go out tonight," he said, his charming smile very inviting.

Abby wanted to say yes, though she was still filled with uncertainty. She didn't ever want to be set up like she had been that May night years before.

"I just finished my first day at the lab, and I need to relax."

"It will be relaxing," Chase assured her. "Just a casual dinner."

She wanted so much to accept, but fear wouldn't let her. "No, I'm sorry."

"No strings attached. I know you have a boyfriend. I just want to go out as friends." He held up the boxers. "This has got to make us friends, right?"

"I'm sorry," Abby said again and started toward the steps, but Chase's hand on her arm stopped her. The touch was light, but it felt like a pure shot of electricity jolting through her skin. She looked back at him.

"Please come out with me tonight." The invitation was so sincere, his pale eyes filled with such earnestness, that Abby found herself nodding.

"Great. I'll be over at seven."

"You said yes?" Ellie said in disbelief.

"It's only dinner," Abby said. She fastened the buttons of her cardigan and tugged at the hem.

"But I thought you said you weren't interested in Chase."

"I'm not. I'm just going to be friendly. It's-it's the neighborly thing to do."

Ellie looked dubious. "I've been his neighbor for almost a year, and we haven't gone out to dinner."

"You want to come?"

"No," Ellie replied quickly. She got up, went to the counter and opened a box of doughnuts. She broke

off a piece of a chocolate one and nibbled on it, a thoughtful look on her face. "Does Nelson know about this?"

Abby sighed. "Ellie, you're making more of this than is really necessary."

Ellie stopped eating the doughnut and cocked an eyebrow questioningly.

"No." Abby sighed again. "I didn't think I needed to inform Nelson that I was having dinner with an old friend."

For some reason that answer seemed to please Ellie. She grinned and picked up another piece of doughnut. "So, you and Chase are old friends now?"

Abby let out an exasperated breath. "Ellie, this is nothing."

Ellie nodded, munching happily on her pastry.

"Nothing," Abby repeated and left the kitchen. She went to her room and stood in front of the mirror. She didn't want to speculate on why she was going to check her outfit for the third time for a dinner date that was nothing. The mirror was clouded with age, just as it had been in her school days. In fact, it was the same mirror she'd stood before that May night of her graduation. But the same girl didn't stare back at her. She was a woman now. So why did she feel so insecure?

She had never been a person to think much about her looks, but for once, she really studied herself. Her height was a bit above average. And her build was, well, maybe a bit below average, but she had nice skin and her hair was a pretty shade of brown and shiny. The outfit she wore was conservative-a dark blue cardigan over a white cotton shirt and a simple blue and white flowered skirt. She wasn't likely to raise many blood pressures, but that wasn't her intent anyway. She turned from the mirror, then stopped and unbuttoned her sweater. Maybe that looked a little better. Irritated with herself, she headed back downstairs to wait. Ellie now sat on the living room sofa, reading a book. She looked up as Abby entered the room. "It looks better unbuttoned," her sister said. "What?" "Your sweater," Ellie said. "It looks better unbuttoned." A knowing little smile curved her lips. "It's not a date," Abby muttered as she pulled the sweater around her and marched into the kitchen. She liked her sister better when she kept her opinions to herself. Just as she was about to steal a piece of doughnut, there was a knock on the door. Abby shot a quick glance at the clock shaped like a teapot, which hung over the sink. It was 6: 55. Chase was five minutes early. She hadn't realized how nervous she was that he wouldn't show up until she heard that sharp knock. As she approached the door, it was replaced by another type of nervousness. Taking a calming breath, she grabbed the doorknob and pulled the door open. Chase stood there, looking sinfully handsome in a black button-down shirt and jeans. "Hi," he said, the single word rich and velvety. "Hi." "Hello, Chase," Ellie called from the living room. Chase stuck his head in the door. "Hey, Ellie. What are you reading tonight?" "A Regency." "Enjoy those roguish lords." Ellie laughed. "You both enjoy yourselves too." Chase turned a sly look on Abby. "Ready for a night of pure coolness?" A startled laugh escaped her. "Do I have a choice?" "Nope." Chase pushed the door open wider so she could step outside.

"Night," Abby called to Ellie.

"Have fun with yourold friend," Ellie called back.

What happened to my unassuming sister? Abby thought as the door slammed shut, and she followed Chase down the porch stairs.

"So, I see you got Helen up and running again," she said.

Chase followed Abby around to the passenger side of the truck, slipping past her to open the rusted, paint-chipped door. The hinges squeaked noisily.

"Yeah, but she's none too happy about it," he said as he held the door with one hand and turned to help Abby up onto the seat with the other.

Abby looked at the length of his long fingers and the width of his open palm. His hand was as beautiful as the rest of him, she thought. And although she wanted to feel that calloused, work-toughened skin against hers, she opted to brace herself against his arm instead, hoping the barrier of his shirt would be enough to keep her willful pulse under control.

It wasn't.

The hard muscles of his forearm, even through his clothing, caused the sensitive pads of her fingers to tingle. She scooted into the truck and released his arm as quickly as possible.