Despite the sun peeking over the horizon, a cold numbness crept over him. Aiden never wanted to feel so alone and full of regrets, the guilt and grief eating at him. Not again. Especially not now, just when he'd pulled his life together.

He hadn't saved their baby girl back then, and now, Tiffany didn't even want it. Yet their child only wanted her. His dream of having any sort of relationship with his daughter vanished.

He dragged himself into the shower, the hot water beating down as he leaned against the cold tiles, head bowed, his tears mixing into the water.

Men never cry.

That lesson had been drilled into Aiden's consciousness until he wanted to scream. He'd spent most of his early life learning to shutter his emotions.

He avoided the mirror as he dressed, finally leaving his apartment in a rush. Time had drifted by and now he was late for work.

The short journey to the hospital rushed by in a blur as did the thoughts about where he'd gone wrong. The break up with Tiffany, the stupid fights, and how he hadn't invested in any relationship since.

"You're late, Dr. Hamilton." Dana tapped her watch as he checked in at the front desk twenty minutes later. "You'll make it up at the end of your shift."

"Five minutes, but fine, whatever," he said under his breath.

"You'll still make it up, doctor." Dana narrowed her eyes, then stalked toward the elevators.

Aiden adjusted his lab coat, coming face to face with Emily. He hadn't seen the lovely doctor since his return from Portland.

"You owe me in a big way." Emily rubbed her bleary eyes. "I should have traded three nights for your two."

"Sorry." He selected a tablet and they proceeded toward the exam rooms. "How about I treat you to dinner? That play you were talking about is in town."

"Trying to wriggle out of those night shifts?" Emily eyed him. "Won't work, Aiden. You owe me"—she held her fingers in front of his face—"two shifts. No renegotiations. Besides, the play sold out weeks ago. Good luck getting tickets."

"I bet a few are available." Aiden forced a cheerful smile. Exhaustion blurred the edges of his consciousness, allowing him the courage to step over the friendship line without considering the consequences. "Saturday night?"

"Is this an invitation to hang out?" she whispered as they reached the exam room. "Or a date?"

"No pizza or beer." His lips twitched. "I'll make reservations somewhere nice."

"Stop it." She wagged a finger. "Those charming little smiles only go so far. And what about Tara?"

"Tara can't come." He winked. "You'll have to ask her out another time."

She arched a brow, a smile flickering across her features.

"It's a simple question with a simple answer. If you say no, I won't bother you again."

Emily tilted her head, tapping her pursed lips. "So a cocktail dress for dinner?"

"Perfect. Pick you up at your place around six-thirty?"

"Dinner would be lovely. It's a date." She graced him with a radiant smile before strolling down the hall, the gentle sway of her hips drawing his attention.

Tara appeared beside him. "Quit flirting and peel your eyes from her ass. The women around here demand respect."

"The patient in Exam 3 needs an IV."

The nurse scoffed, but pasted on a cheery expression before she entered the exam room.

His conversation with Emily had gone far better than he'd hoped, and he allowed a real smile to emerge. Perhaps it was a sign. Time to get on with his life.

----

Aiden issued a low whistle when Emily opened the door. "Stunning."

The cocktail length, form-fitting, red silk dress hugged her curves and accentuated her waist. She'd pinned up her dark hair, showing off her slim neck and the simple diamond pendant and earrings she wore. Her sparkling green eyes appeared even more vibrant than usual. She looked perfect. Mouthwateringly sexy.

"Thank you. These are beautiful." She accepted the colorful bouquet he presented, leaning in to give him a hug and kiss on the cheek. "You look pretty good yourself. What is this? Armani?" She straightened the burgundy silk tie which complimented his tailored suit.

"Are you ready?" He trailed her into the kitchen.

A smile appeared as she arranged the flowers in a vase she'd pulled from the cabinet. "I am."

He helped with her coat, then waited as she locked the door before escorting her downstairs to the limo waiting at the curb.

Her face lit up as the driver opened the door. "First time a guy's treated me to a limo." Emily sank into the plush leather seat.

"Maybe you've been dating the wrong guys."

She tilted her head. "Do you always pick up your dates in limos?"

"Only the special ones." The words came out automatically, but they were true. He'd waited far too long to ask this incredible woman for a date.

She raised a brow. "Should I be super impressed? Flowers, limo ..." A smile twitched at the corners of her lips. "Theater tickets?"

He held back a grin as he pulled the slips of paper from the inner pocket of his suit jacket and waved them.

"You didn't. How did you get your hands on those?"

Aiden lifted a shoulder, but he didn't explain as the limo glided through traffic, finally coming to a halt in front of the theater.

The driver opened the door and Aiden helped Emily out, keeping hold of her small hand as he ushered her inside and led her to their seats.

"Amazing." She settled in the plush chair and angled toward him. "You've outdone yourself, Dr. Hamilton. Is there anything you can't do?"

"Plenty, I'm sure."

The lights dimmed and the curtains rose, saving him from making any further comments. The tickets hadn't been easy to procure, but the trouble was worth it.

Emily seemed entranced by the action on stage. Half an hour into the play, she reached for his hand, giving it a squeeze and bestowing a radiant smile on him before refocusing on the stage.

Aiden kept her soft hand enclosed in his. Clearly he wasn't the only one feeling their connection. Or maybe that was just more wishful thinking.

----

After the play, they enjoyed a late dinner at one of his favorite restaurants. The conversation flowed easily, as it always seemed to with Emily.

"I didn't know what to expect," she said, once they'd been served coffee. "We never really go out. It's always something quick after work, but I never considered them dates."

"Maybe we should do it more often."

"Perhaps we should." Emily contemplated him from across the table. "Why do I know so little about you? You're an only child, and you talk about your grandmother, but you never mention your parents."

"I can never get a word in about them." He grinned. "You're always telling me about your sisters and your niece."

"Ha ha. I don't talk about them that much." She wrinkled her nose. "Do I?"

"I'm kidding, Em." He shrugged. "I'm not close to my parents. They've lived in New York for over fifteen years. I went to boarding school," he said. "I spent summers at my grandparents' house in Martha's Vineyard until I was fifteen."

"Boarding school, huh." She tilted her head. "And when you were sixteen?"

"I lived in Europe until I turned eighteen. Oxford, remember?" His grandparents sent him away right after Savannah's birth, irrevocably altering his life. His family never wanted him around, and they certainly never spoke about the rift between them.

"I always forget you attended all the fancy schools." She smiled. "What do your parents do?"

"My father is a lawyer. My mother lunches at the Country Club."

Emily laughed. "Wasn't your grandfather some big Chicago criminal lawyer?"

"He was. I broke with tradition by becoming a doctor, which wasn't a popular decision." Aiden sipped his coffee. "You've met Tom. He's running the firm now, and he's careful about his clientele."

"Tom Grayson?" Emily frowned. "I've said hello to him once or twice, but that's it. I don't know much about him," she said. "We don't travel in the same social circles. But you ..."

"Tom's one of my closest friends. I've known him my entire life."

"What's your full name?"

"Why?"

"I plan on taking advantage of this opportunity." Emily leaned forward and rested a warm hand over his. "We've worked together for years, but you never get into your personal life. I'm curious."

That fact was undeniable. He preferred to keep a low profile at work. With the exception of his closest friends, he never allowed anyone to get overly personal. Especially women. "Aiden James Thomas Franklin Hamilton. What's your middle name?"

"You have three middle names?" Emily tilted her head. "How do you fit them in those tiny boxes on forms?"

"It's not easy." Aiden caught her fingers, stroking them with his thumb. "My grandfather wanted to name me after his best friend and law partner, Aiden Grayson. My father wanted me named after him. They compromised, leaving me with so many names, I can barely keep track."

"If you have a kid, they'll have four middle names?"

Aiden's thoughts raced. No, I can't tell her about my daughter. What would be the point? "I'd never torture my child, so no. You haven't answered. Middle name?"

"Alejandra. My name is Emelia Alejandra Anderson." Her cheeks flushed. "My mom won in naming me. She's Spanish, but my dad's family is Scandinavian."

"Beautiful, Emelia." Aiden savored the sound of her elegant name on his lips. "It's much easier to fit on forms, too." He motioned to the attached lounge once he'd paid their bill. "They have live music. We could have a drink, or are you ready to head home?"

"It's almost midnight and I have an early shift tomorrow, so home. You?"

"Same shift as you." He hid his disappointment that the evening was ending, but he collected their coats and escorted her to the limo.

"Magical. We come out and the car is waiting. Thank you for tonight. This has been fun." She leaned against him as the limo turned toward home. Her eyes closed, a soft smile touching her lips.

"Tired?"

"A little." Her gaze met his as the limo stopped in front of her building. "Are you in a rush?" She nibbled her lip. "Stay for coffee?"

Would it be wise to accept? Probably not, yet he couldn't resist. "Sounds good." He slid out of the car behind her. "We can suffer together tomorrow."

After dismissing the driver, he allowed her to lead him upstairs to her apartment, enjoying the soft touch of the fingers interlaced with his.

Emily kept her head bowed as she let them into her apartment and locked the door behind them. She removed her sexy heels, letting them hit the floor with a soft click. "Stay awhile?"

He slung his overcoat on the rack by the door. As he removed his tie and unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt, he wandered into the living room, pausing to inspect the photo of Emily with a small dark-haired girl. "Isa has grown. She's a cutie."

"Mmmhmm. Aiden?" She tugged her hairpins free and gave her head a small shake, her hair cascading in waves over her shoulders.

Aiden couldn't tear his eyes away, every move she made etching into his brain. He froze as she approached and lifted her chin.

"Is this for real?" One hand rose and caressed his cheek. "Or is it all in my head?" Her eyes widened, drawing him into their depths.

"Definitely real," he murmured as he curled a lock of silky hair around his fingertip. On impulse, he leaned in to kiss her luscious lips, enjoying the sweet taste lingering on her tongue. The light floral scent of her perfume enveloped him as he cupped her face between his palms, barely taking a breath before he captured her mouth again.

Instead of pushing him away as he feared, she wound an arm around his neck, one hand slipping into his hair as she pressed against him. Their kiss deepened, his heart thumping in time with hers. As he tangled a hand into her hair, he forgot everything and simply enjoyed holding the incredible woman close.

Emily buried her head against his neck. "Wow, Aiden," she whispered, her breath warm wisps against his skin. She placed soft kisses on his jawline as her hands slipped into his suit jacket, pushing it from his shoulders and allowing it to drop to the floor before she worked at the buttons on his shirt.

He ran his fingertips down her back, catching the bottom of her dress and peeling it over her head as she lifted her arms. Even as he tossed it aside, his shirt gave way, the last few buttons pattering against the hardwood as she yanked on the fabric.

He gazed into her hazy green eyes as her mouth parted in invitation. As he tasted her sweet lips again, he unhooked her lacy black bra while she tugged his belt free. The silver buckle hit the floor with a clunk.

Her skin felt like satin, their hands and mouths exploring as they performed a slow sensual dance down the hall to her bedroom.

Emily wrapped her arms around him, drawing him into the soft sheets, her mouth tight against his.

"Emelia." He breathed her name into the crook of her neck as it all rushed over him.

They were about to take an irreversible step across the line, and he was powerless to resist.

----

Aiden opened his eyes, momentarily disoriented. Judging by the dim light filtering through a crack in the blinds, it was still early. Her warm body curled against him, her soft, rhythmic breathing tickling his neck. A smile twitched at the corners of his mouth as the memory flooded in on him.

The night had taken an unexpected turn, and he'd gone with it. The sudden transformation of sweet, unassuming, Emily into the dark-haired temptress, Emelia, had stunned and delighted him in equal measures. Resistance was futile, and he hadn't wanted to in any case. It had been amazing, with boundless passion and chemistry.

His eyes popped open sometime later, the clock now reading five thirty. Time to get up, though he could've stayed cocooned in bed all day if Emily were with him.

Aiden caressed her cheek, brushing her hair back as her eyes fluttered open. "Hey, sweetheart, we have work. I should go home and change."

"In a minute," she mumbled as her eyelids closed. A sleepy half-smile crossed her face as she buried her head in her pillow, winding an arm around him. "Don't go."

He kissed her gently. "We work at seven. I'll call in half an hour to make sure you're up. I had a great time last night." Aiden gave her lips one final long caress before he dressed, one piece at a time. He followed the trail of scattered clothing down the hallway, finally donning his buttonless dress shirt.

After quietly closing the door of her apartment, he bounded down the stairs, humming to himself. He walked at a steady pace, unable to stop smiling.

Once home he showered and hoped she'd gotten out of bed. He perused his wardrobe options as he dialed her number.

"Where'd you go?"

"Home. Time to get up."

"I'm too tired. Someone kept me up half the night."

"Didn't hear any complaints at the time." He laughed. "It's six-fifteen, Emelia."

"What? Oh crap, I need a shower. Catch you there. Gotta go." The line went dead.

He just had time to pick up breakfast if he hurried.

Emily arrived in the doctor's lounge at five to seven.

"Extra-hot latte with a touch of sugar and a breakfast sandwich." He offered the cup and bag. "Cutting it close this morning aren't we, Dr. Anderson?"

"Maybe a little. I only had time for a quick shower and some clothes." She'd pinned up her dark hair, highlighting her glowing skin and sparkling eyes.

He would never have guessed she'd gotten ready in less than half an hour after barely sleeping.

Dana stuck her head in the door. "It's seven and my chief and attending are loitering in the lounge? On the floor. Now." She scowled before retreating.

"Eat. I'll cover for five." Aiden leaned in and pressed a tender kiss to her lips.

"What if someone saw that?"

"They didn't." He winked and stole another kiss.

Emily pushed him toward the door. "Go before Dragon Lady attacks."

"I'll keep her at bay."

He hummed under his breath as he fielded questions and assigned patients to the students and residents on shift.

"You're in a good mood." Tara's brows rose. "Have fun last night?"

"What?" Aiden almost dumped his latte at her sly smile.

"Didn't Emily drag you to some stupid play last night? You must have owed her big for taking those shifts."

"Oh." Aiden smiled as his panic abated. It appeared Emily hadn't shared the fact it was an actual date, which was fine with him. He didn't need the aggravation of hospital gossip. "It was a good play."

"Good play is an oxymoron." She twirled her finger in her hair. "Imagine getting excited about dressing up. Figures. Emily seems the type."

"The type?"

"High maintenance? The nails, the hair, the clothes. Must take her hours a day to look like ... that." Tara motioned toward Emily, who was examining an x-ray. "I bet she's up three hours before each shift to fix her face."

The dark-haired doctor was gorgeous with her silky hair, olive skin, and those alluring green eyes, but he knew it hadn't taken hours to put herself together this morning. "Most women enjoy dressing up once in a while."

"I prefer movies or hanging out. Fussing over big social events and stuff isn't my thing." Tara's lip curled. "I'm not one of those overly needy types."

"She's never struck me as high maintenance or needy."

"Enough about her." Tara's lashes fluttered. "We should go to a movie tonight."

"I've got patients waiting." He chose another chart and headed down the hall, spotting Emily at the front desk. The bright smile she sent in his direction had him grinning. He hoped no one noticed, especially Tara, considering the issues she had with the doctor.

Emily caught up with him as he examined an x-ray at the light board a while later. "Thanks."

"For what?"

"I had a wonderful time at the play and dinner was lovely. Then there was the wake-up call this morning, without which I would have been late, and a yummy breakfast. Especially that latte, which I desperately needed." Her tone was light and teasing. "Did I miss anything?"

Aiden smiled. "I had a great time, and I'd like to do it again. Go on a date, I mean."

"I knew what you meant." She smirked, but it faded as she stared toward the front desk. "What was Tara on about earlier? She's glaring at us with her usual pouty look. Does she know that we ...?" Emily's eyes widened before she shot another look at the nurse. "It would explain her comment."

"What comment?"

"She'd happily claw my eyes out." Emily's brows rose. "Did you two ever ...?

He pulled her into the closest empty exam room and shut the door. "Are you asking if I slept with Tara?"

She shrugged and evaded his gaze.

"Not that I owe you details of past relationships, but no. She's not really my type."

"You seem to be hers." Emily looked away again, brushing at her eyes.

"Why the tears?" Aiden lifted her chin. "What did Tara say?"

"It's not important." She sniffled.

"You're ... crying." He slid his arms around her. "Shh, sweetheart." Aiden pressed a kiss to her hair.

"I'm not that woman." She sobbed. "I don't sleep with guys on the first date, but we've been winding up to it for months. The sexual tension was overwhelming. Now that we ... Am I the flavor of the week?"

Aiden released her and took a step back. "Flavor-of-the-fucking-week? Good one. Just fucking perfect."

"What am I then?"

"I thought ... Yeah, never mind that because it's pretty damn clear what you're thinking." He crossed his arms. "You're acting bat-shit crazy. I don't kiss and tell, I don't have a flavor of the week, and I'm seriously pissed at the ridiculous assumption you're my plaything."

Emily peered at him through red shiny eyes, her head tilting. "You really want to go out again? On a date?"

"I rarely say things I don't mean." He grasped her shoulders. "You're right, I don't have an awesome track record of long meaningful relationships, but I thought we had something."

She stared at him, wide-eyed.

"If you aren't feeling it, so be it. Just don't play passive-aggressive mind games," he said. "Either way, I don't think less of you because of last night."

"You don't?"

"Do you think less of me?" He held up his hand before she could even open her mouth. "Stupid question. Obviously, you do. Even worse, you think less of yourself." After rubbing a hand over his face, he leaned back and crossed his arms. "Can I ask you something?"

She bowed her head and shrugged.

"What if I hadn't let it go any further so we could follow some stupid arbitrary dating rules?"

A frown fleeted across her features. "I'd feel ... Undesirable."

"Huh. You are so far opposite, it's crazy." How could Emily not understand why Tara looked at her the way she did? "You're pretty great, Emelia Alejandra Anderson. You're compassionate, warm, and brilliant, not to mention beautiful, sexy, and passionate. What guy wouldn't desire that?" He sighed. "We've been dancing around the attraction for months, but I wasn't ready. Now I am. Are you?"

A frown knitted her forehead.

"Right. Pretend it never happened." He stalked from the room. After last night he'd hoped, but she clearly didn't feel the same.

He avoided her for the remainder of the day, fearing the inevitable awkwardness would linger whenever they worked together. If only he'd listened to that little alarm in the back of his head and gone home.

----

Aiden hummed along with the music, pausing only to drain his second glass of Macallan before stowing the last of the groceries in the fridge. Drinking alone. Never the best idea, but after the week he'd had ... He refilled his glass but set it untouched on the counter and dialed as he wandered onto the deck, sucking in the frigid but refreshing salty air.

"Hey, where are you?" Ryan asked.

"The beach house." He stepped inside and closed the French doors against the chilly night.

"Oh-oh. I'm scared to ask about the play."

"It was great." Aiden sighed. "Thanks again for the tickets."

"Hmm, sounds like it was a bust," his friend said. "Emily wasn't impressed?"

"She loved it, and dinner, and ... everything."

"So what's the problem?"

"We connected, and—"

"Sex on the first date? Bad move, dude."

"Stupid me, thinking she wouldn't judge. Now I'm the asshole who played her, which totally fucks up our friendship."

"Damn. This woman has you all turned around. My advice? Apologize."

Aiden stared at the tumbler of amber liquid on the counter. "For what? Wanting something more than a one-night stand?"

"Not sure intent matters. You have to work with the woman."

"Don't remind me." He massaged his temple with one hand. The faint crunch of tires against gravel caught his attention. "Someone's here."

"At this time of night?"

The thud of a car door was followed by a light tap, then a heavier one. "Just a second." He opened the door, his breath catching at the sight of the woman before him. "Emily."

"She's there? Why are you still talking to me?" Ryan snickered and the line disconnected.

"It's freezing." Emily tugged her scarf around her reddened cheeks.

"How did you ...?" He peered around her, spotting the old red pickup in the driveway. "Ahh, Hal." He waved at the man and beckoned Emily inside.

She set her handbag on a chair and rubbed her red-rimmed eyes. "I'm exhausted. Who knew it took so long to get to the Vineyard from Chicago?"

"Everyone?" He hung her coat and ushered her toward the living room. After a curious look in her direction, he lit a match and held it under the pile of kindling in the stone fireplace until flames flickered into life.

"There were weather delays in Boston." Emily extended her hands toward the fire. "Ahh, that's good. The heater in Hal's truck doesn't work so well."

"What ... what are you doing here? How did you know where to find me?"

"I called Tom."

"Tom ... Grayson?" Aiden scrubbed a hand through his hair.

"Mmmm. Except Jenna answered his phone and told me you were here."

Aiden sank onto the arm of the couch. "You tracked me through my friends?"

She gnawed her lip. "Sorry, too far?"

"How did you get my personal information out of Jenna?"

A delicate pink crept into her cheeks. "I might have inferred there was a situation with one of your patients."

A grin twitched the corner of his lips. "Impressively sneaky." His smile faded. "But why?"

She bowed her head, tugging at the sleeves of her silky blouse. "It works for guys, so why not me?"

He gave her a quizzical look.

"The grand gesture that ends in forgiveness for acting bat-shit crazy?" Her cheeks reddened. "Stupid me. Why would you even care?"

Aiden stepped closer. "You came to apologize?"

"Your doorman said you weren't home."

"You flew hundreds of miles to a tiny island in mid-November to say ... I'm sorry? Most people would phone first."

"I pictured a different ending. I'd show up, and you'd be incredibly happy to see me, and ..." Something akin to panic flitted across her features.

"And what?"

"I spent ten hours in crappy airports, arrived too late to get a rental car, and had to beg for a ride. I'm a complete mess." She cupped her hands over her face, smothering a ragged sob.

"Hey." He pulled her against his chest. "Why don't you have a hot shower while I make us something to eat?"

"You're n-not mad?"

"No." Aiden released her and motioned toward the stairs. "After you."

Her softly swaying jean-clad curves created a vivid image of their night together. He shut it down, clenching his hand to prevent himself from reaching out as he followed her. "End of the hall on the right."

She paused before stepping into the master bedroom.

"I'd bring your bag, but it seems you don't have one."

"The airline lost my luggage. Perfect way to top off my day." She tugged at her wrinkled blouse.

"Bathroom is through there." Aiden pointed. "Towels are in the cupboard, and," he said, motioning to his closet, "help yourself to some clothes."

A faint smile appeared. "Thanks for not freaking out."

"Never." He returned the smile. "Come down when you're ready."

----

A slight sound made him look up. "Feel better?" He closed his laptop and stood, smothering a yawn.

A hesitant smile appeared as she held out her arms and turned, her tiny frame engulfed by his sweatshirt. Her gaze met his as she completed the full circle. "It's like a dress." A crease appeared in her forehead. "Aiden?"

He forced a smile, fighting the tumultuous thoughts tumbling through his mind. "Hungry?"

"Starving." She trailed after him, eyeing the seafood chowder he ladled into bowls before setting a plate of fresh biscuits on the counter. "That smells amazing."

"Wine?"

Emily nodded, but her brows rose as she stared toward the decanter and full tumbler of Macallan on the counter. "Why did you come here in the middle of winter?" She scooped a spoonful of chowder into her mouth. "Mmmm. Delicious. Did you make this?"

"Mmhm." He selected a bottle of Pinot Grigio from the rack and popped the cork before pouring two glasses and setting one within her reach. "This is my favorite place to unwind, especially when the summer people are gone."

"It's definitely quiet. I hope the owner doesn't mind me stealing his clothes." She wrinkled her nose.

"I'm sure he won't mind in the least." He winked before settling on the stool beside her, letting silence fall while they ate.

"That was incredible." Emily slid her bowl away and cradled her wine glass. She took two generous sips, then sighed. "Better." Her gaze met his. "I'm sorry for acting crazy." She twirled the glass. "It's about me. I haven't had fantastic luck with men."

"That runs both ways."

She blinked hard. "So apology not accepted?"

"I'm sorry, Em. The last thing I wanted was this awkward mess."

"Made worse by me showing up unannounced."

"Or better." He caught her hand between his, rubbing the back with his thumbs. "Tell me why?"

"No guy ever goes over the top on a date without an ulterior motive."

An indescribable sadness crept over him. "Em—"

"Wait." She pressed a fingertip to his lips. "You're not some guy I picked up in a bar, but one I've respected and admired for years. You've never been involved with anyone at work. Have you?"

He shook his head.

"Then maybe it's you making the necessary effort to shake us from complacency and that comfortable friend zone."

"It wasn't that calculated, but yeah, a woman like you deserves ... better."

She pressed a hand to her chest, blinking rapidly. "You feel it?"

"Stay and find out." He leaned in, brushing her soft cheek with his lips.

Her hand crept around his neck, her fingers drifting through the hair at the nape of his neck. "I thought you'd never ask."

Aiden sank into her embrace, pulling her closer, enjoying the hot tingly rush. This woman had him, and no matter whether the entanglement was wise or not, it was already too late. They'd built a true connection. One he hadn't felt with any woman since Tiffany had broken him.