"Can I take you out to dinner then? I think maybe we should slow things down, spend some time together doing the so-called normal things." He clenched the table in both hands as he waited for her answer, and she'd bet he didn't even know he was doing it. The fact that she had the power to make him nervous made her want to forgive him all the more.

"I know a great barbecue place not too far away," she offered. "We wouldn't have to dress up or anything. Just throw on some ...