“Is it safe?” That was my answer on Sunday afternoon while Sterling and I were in his office, when he asked if I wanted to go out to dinner—out of the apartment.

“Sunshine, I wouldn’t ask you if it weren’t.”

My cheeks rose. “You did ask.”

His finger landed on my nose. “So observant. I did.”

I’d been answering emails for Sinful Threads at the table while Sterling had been at his desk doing whatever he did. Now he was standing ...