And just like that, he knew he was going to have to tell her. It would kill the mood, but so would the guilt he'd feel later when he finally did fess up, then spent the next hour being pissed he didn't tell her when she'd asked. Rightfully so.

So instead of distracting her with kisses, he took a step back and rubbed his arms up and down her arms. "She's fine. But she's made a new friend here."

His tone gave away pretty much all she'd need to know about his feelings about the friend in question.