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because the seat wrapped around her like a warm blanket. “That’s a good thing, isn’t it? It means you’re brilliant. Inquisitive.”
    “Which makes you astute.”
    Unable to help herself, she grinned at him.
    “And you’re right. I thought we should eat and pick up whatever necessities you need from the grocery store before we head home.”
    Home sounded far too intimate. “It’s not too late for me to get a rental car and hotel.” The town had a handful, she knew, and a couple were more than suitable for a long-term visit.
    “Do you really want to drive back and forth? More snow’s due. May make roads challenging—if not impassable—in the next few days. All that could delay us. I think part of Julien’s strategy is that we’re more likely to interact creatively if we’re not constrained by work hours and if we have time for spontaneous interaction.”
    Spontaneous interaction. She wondered if he’d added the emphasis to the words or if she’d imagined it.
    But his argument was sound. If they were snowed in, better it be together than with her stranded in a hotel room across town. “You’re right.”
    “Breakfast?” he offered.
    She wondered what went with a side of simmering sensuality. “Is there coffee on the menu?”
    “Regular and piñon.”
    “Piñon?”
    “It’s local. Made from pine nuts.”
    “Sounds…interesting.”
    “I thought you were going to live dangerously while you were here.” He parallel parked in front of the building then turned off the engine. “Might as well get started. I’ll keep your secrets.”
    Damn. This man was dangerous.
    While she slipped her phone into her purse, he came around and opened the vehicle door. “Thanks,” she said. “I’m quite capable of doing that myself.”
    “I’m sure you are.”
    Though she wouldn’t admit it to him, or even herself, she appreciated the courtesy. A sudden wind gusted around them, shattering the moment. No doubt the weather predictions were accurate, and she zipped up her coat.
    She preceded him into the restaurant.
    A number of enticing scents wrapped around her. Eggs. Bacon. Green chile. And, yes there is a God, coffee. “I love it.” She surveyed the scarred black-and-white checkered- linoleum tiles on the floor. A portion of one wall was decorated with broken pieces of cups and plates, designed and glued in a mosaic style. Other walls had family photos and scenic landscapes.
    There were a couple of dozen tables in the dining room.
    “It’s been here since World War II. The Montoya family has owned it the entire time.”
    “Hey, handsome!” a woman called out. “Sit anywhere. I’ll be right with you.”
    He waved in acknowledgment then picked up a menu from the front counter and led Aria to a booth near the window.
    She shrugged, unzipped her coat and tried not to stare as he shrugged from his.
    He wore a long-sleeved navy shirt that made his eyes look even more startling.
    Aria had sworn off men, and it was a good thing. He was definitely the type of man to whom she was attracted. Tall. Rugged. Independent. Assertive. Damn it. Damn Julien.
    As soon as they sat, the woman slid a mug of steaming coffee in front of Grant. That he didn’t need to order showed Aria he was a regular.
    “A hundred thousand blessings on you,” he said.
    Another thing they had in common. Love of the almighty brew.
    “Blanca,” he said after taking a sip. “I’d like to introduce my colleague, Aria DeWitt.”
    “Do you also work for Mr. Bonds?” Blanca asked Aria.
    “I do. You’ve met him?”
    “A few times. He’s…delicious.”
    “Delicious?” Aria repeated. Clearly the woman was attracted to Julien. And who wouldn’t be?
    “I mean he’s interesting.”
    “Now that’s an understatement,” Aria said.
    “He says he only works with smart people who are able to solve problems.”
    The compliment made her suspicious. “Why do I feel as if I’m being set up here?” Aria shot a glance in Grant’s