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A squeak woke ht doze Kade’s shadow crossed the floor He paused and I waited Then the steps groaned with his weight as he climbed the stairs

15

I COULDN’T BLAME HIM FOR GIVING UP ON ME I’D lost Kade Despite the wrenching inside my chest, I ru Lost his love, not the man since he slept upstairs I had planned to leave early in theif Kade couldn’t stay with me Why wait? I wouldn’t be able to sleep Not now Quartz enjoyed traveling at night and she had all day to rest

But I needed to say goodbye Tiptoeing upstairs, I paused on the landing Three closed doors ringed the short hallway Which one was his?

I stood in front of each door as I decided A slight draft caressed ht, but air blasted my feet from the left one Only Kade would have his ide-open

Bitingthe knob and peeking in If he was asleep…

"I’ only short pants, he lay on top of the bedspread A knot formed under my ribs and I shivered

"I understand your decision I’oodbye"

He gazed out theAnd I studied his face, co line of his jaw and his smooth skin to h I turned to go

"Where are you going?" he asked

"Hooing to spend time with your family, it’s only fair you spend a few more days with mine"

I spun around

He pushed up on his elbow "I don’t want to give up on us This thing with Devlen isn’t love, is it?"

"No He’s like my Story Weaver"

"And he’ll help you?"

"Yes"