"Why are you here?" Brendan asked.

Emily said softly, her voice filled with tenderness, "I came because I miss you. Is there a problem? Bren, don't you want me here?"

"It's not that." Brendan's voice was unusually loving and tender. "I was just surprised. It's late already. How will you get back?"

"Then I won't go back." Emily adjusted his collar. "Bren, can I stay here tonight?"

Brendan hesitated for a moment, then covered his mouth. "I was just joking. I know you're tired from your work, s