"Authorized?"
"The trees respond to people I trust.You, Walter, Mei-Lin, your father.I added you all to the access list."
He looked surprised."When did you do that?"
"During construction.Seemed smart to have backup access in case something happened to me.I just forgot to mention it."
"That's..."He paused."That's very trusting."
"I trust you."She said it simply, like it was obvious.
His expression shifted to something warm and intense that made her cheeks heat."Wren—"
"Marshall!"Kenji's voice called from below."We've got a situation at the south border.Need you."
Jin's jaw tightened with frustration."I have to go."
"I know.It's fine."
He started toward the ramp, then stopped.Turned back.
"I'll come by tomorrow, if that's alright."
"It's more than alright."
He held her gaze for a long moment, then nodded and left.
Walter appeared at her elbow after Jin had ridden off."That man is completely smitten with you, madam."
"I know."She smiled."I'm smitten right back."
"Well then.I expect there will be developments soon."
There would be.She could feel it building, that inevitable pull between them, the way every visit lasted a little longer, the way he looked at her like she was the most fascinating thing he'd ever seen.
Whatever was coming, she was ready for it.
