She realized he was watching her, his hands with the gifts still extended toward her. And that everyone in her office also had their eyes fastened on her.

Damn!

"That's very nice of you, Mr. Mitchell. I wouldn't be minding my manners if I didn't say thank you. Is that all?"

"I'll find something to put those flowers in." Inez Pereira, her dispatcher, hurried over and deftly snatched the bouquet from Kyle's hand. "Sheriff, you should at least give the man five minutes of your time. He got himself all cleaned up and drove down here just to see you."

Jessie's skin itched from all the eyes fastened on her.

"Fine. Five minutes in my office. Will that be enough time for your apology?"

Kyle's grin almost melted her panties. "It's a start."

She was acutely aware of him behind her, following her to her office, as if a blanket of testosterone shimmered over him and reached out to her. She was glad the door to her office didn't have a window in it. At least she'd be safe from everyone's prying eyes. Not that she wouldn't be subjected to scrutiny after the fact.

Sitting down in her chair, the desk as a barrier between them, she leaned forward on her elbows.

"Thank you very much for the gifts, Mr. Mitchell," she began.

"Kyle," he interrupted, in a voice that sounded like warm honey. "I'd like it if you called me Kyle." He flashed that killer grin. "It would make it so much easier to apologize."

"Fine. Kyle. Thank you."

He handed the box of chocolates to her, but when she reached for them he wrapped his hand over her smaller one and the heat factor rose off the charts.

"I was really hoping you'd let me take you to dinner," he drawled. "I can apologize much better over good food."

Dinner? With Mr. Sexy?

"I'm sorry. I don't think that would be appropriate. But thank you for the invitation."

"Give me five minutes to change your mind."