Robyn watched Dante's narrow waist and lean hips disappear from the room and released a long sigh. She felt guilty because she knew he was feeling the same strong sexual energy that she was and was doing his best not to act on it. Once he broke up most of the knots in her back, all she could focus on was the feeling of his hands moving against her bare skin. She'd then started to imagine them on other parts of her body. From the sensations in just her back alone, the man would know what to do in those other places.

She had tried thinking about being blown into a car to try to distract herself from focusing on his hands. It helped for less than half a minute. Just as she considered not resisting and pulling him down to her, he'd said her name. She wasn't able to hide her feelings before she opened her eyes. Seeing those same feelings in his eyes reflected at her, stole her breath away. Fortunately, he had more sense and self-control than her and stepped back.

After a few minutes, she had gotten herself under control. She stood up from the bed, made it back up, and put on her shoes. She turned out the light and stood still for a moment to let her eyes adjust, then went to join Dante. She walked into the room to see the TV off and hear slow R&B playing. Dante was in a chair across the room reading. He put the book down and gazed at her when she entered.

"I probably need to head home," she said softly. She watched as he stood up and walked to her. As she looked up at him, he placed his hands on her hips and pulled her into a hug.

She slid her hands up his arms to lock them behind his neck. "Thanks for hanging out with me tonight," he replied quietly.

She turned her head and gave him a soft kiss on the cheek. "It was my pleasure."

Releasing her from the hug, he picked up her coat and helped her into it. "Let me walk you out."

She nodded and he took her hand. Threading their fingers together, they slowly walked out to her car without speaking. When they reached it, he again placed his hands on her hips and pulled her close. Her hands came up to rest on his chest.

"I know you need to leave, and I know why, but I wish you could stay," he admitted, raising one hand to cup the side of her face and neck. She leaned her head into his hand and closed her eyes.

"I know," she whispered. Opening her eyes she said, "Same."

He kissed her forehead, released her, and opened her door. Helping her into the car he said, "Drive safe." He knew she was able to take care of herself, but that didn't stop a fierce protectiveness about wanting her safe. She smiled at him as he closed her door. She started the car as he walked back to the house. When he reached the door, he turned to watch her drive away. When she turned the corner, he went inside and locked the door. Turning off the music and lights, he went upstairs to go to bed.

Robyn walked into the house, dropped her keys on the table, and took off her coat. She could tell that Aunt Vi and Dee were still asleep, so she hung up her coat and went to retrieve her note off the counter. She pulled her phone out of her pocket as she walked upstairs. She opened up her texts to send a message to Dante. Closing the door to her bedroom she pressed send.

Robyn: I'm home. Thanks for tonight.

Dante: Good night Robbie. Sweet dreams.

She couldn't remember the last time someone called her Robbie. She usually didn't like it, but in the tone he used it, it was her new favorite nickname. She got ready for bed and then crawled under the covers. Within minutes, she fell asleep with a smile.

When Robyn woke up the next morning, she was pretty sure her body was one giant bruise. There wasn't one spot on her that didn't hurt. She was pretty certain it was going to be a couple of days before she'd be able to function normally. She needed to get up and go downstairs. Dee was getting ready to leave for school and Aunt Vi needed to get some work done. Robyn knew she'd be able to crawl back into bed if she wanted to later on. Groaning, she lifted herself into a sitting position and grabbed her phone off the nightstand. A text message from Mel was waiting for her.

Mel: Okay, how bad are you hurt?

Robyn: Well my hair doesn't hurt.

Mel: That bad huh?

Robyn: I almost wish something had just been broken instead. At least it would only be in one place.

Mel: Harry and I can take care of things for a few days while you heal.

Robyn: Do you know how much I love you guys?

Mel: I mean, it's hard not to. We're pretty great.

Robyn: You're not wrong. Give me a couple of days and I should be good.

She closed out of her thread with Mel and saw a notification that Dante had texted her as well.

Dante: I'm here if you need me.

Robyn: Thanks, Marcus.

Six simple words had improved her mood. She stood up and cringed. Too bad they couldn't improve her pain level. She slipped her phone into her pocket and walked to the stairs. She could hear Aunt Vi and Dee laughing in the kitchen. She walked slowly down the stairs and went to join them.

"Morning Mom," Dee greeted her.

"Morning Baby. You ready to go?" She asked as she dropped a kiss on Aunt Vi's cheek and stole a strawberry from her plate.

"Girl, leave my plate alone." Her aunt admonished as she swatted at Robyn's hand.

Delilah laughed as she nodded. "Yep, I'm going to Dad's after school today."

Robyn nodded, ate her stolen strawberry, and prepared a mug of coffee. Miles was another man she was going to need to have a talk with. Leaning gingerly against the counter, she turned her gaze to her aunt. "What about you Auntie, do you need anything?"

Vi shook her head as she noted Robyn's stiff stance. "Nope. I'm just going to grab a couple more canvases and I'll be good to go." She locked eyes with Robyn. "Are you working today?"

Robyn took a sip of her coffee before answering, "Nah, we don't have a case right now, so I'm going to take a self-care day or two."

"That will be fun. I'm sure you could use it," Delilah said standing up. She walked over to her mom and gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. She eyed her mom to see if she should bring up last night's conversation.

Robyn caught Delilah's look and held in a sigh. "We'll talk later," she said quietly.

Delilah nodded and went over to give her great-aunt a hug and kiss of her own. "Try not to miss me too much," she teased as she released her.

"I'll do my best," Vi laughed. Robyn and Vi both watched Delilah grab her bag and leave for school before Vi turned back to Robyn. "You okay Rob?" She asked with a worried expression.

Robyn continued to drink her coffee while she nodded. "Yeah, I'm okay. Just a bit sore," she promised. "Nothing a relaxing day or two can't help."

Viola looked at her for a moment then nodded, "Okay. Let me know if you need me."

Robyn finally stood up and walked over to her aunt. She set her mug on the counter and faced her. "I will keep my promise from last night," she said looking her in the eyes. "I will do better. I am sore, but I'm okay and there's nothing you need to worry about." She pulled her aunt into a hug.

Vi sighed when she released her niece. "I worry about you, and I want you safe."

"I know, Auntie. I appreciate you, and I love you."

"I love you too, Rob."

15 minutes later, Robyn was alone in a quiet house. She decided she'd follow up on that idea of crawling back into bed. She spent the next couple of days cycling through ice, heating pads, naps, stretches, and pain meds.

A few days after that, she worked with Mel and Harry to help a lady who thought her dead husband might be haunting her. After their investigation, they found out that their client's sister had experienced a mental break. The sister found out that her brother-in-law, who also happened to be her ex-boyfriend from high school, was actually alive. She got it in her mind that he faked his death to be with her. She ended up stabbing her sister and kidnapping her niece in an attempt to get a happily ever after with her ex. The whole thing was a crazy situation, but mom and daughter are fine and doing well now.