And if she stayed here too long, she might start wanting something he’d already proven he wouldn’t give.
Grace took a breath and climbed the steps before she could overthink it. Luke followed, close enough now that she could feel his presence at her back—not crowding, but ready.
She unlocked the door. This time, her hands didn’t shake.
The door opened. Warm air spilled out. Familiar. Safe.
She turned to face him.
“This is where you stop,” she said.
Luke nodded. He didn’t argue. Didn’t try to step inside. Didn’t ask for anything.
Grace held his gaze for a long second.
She didn’t thank him.
She simply said, “Goodnight, Luke.”
“Goodnight, Grace.”
She stepped inside and closed the door.
Grace leaned her forehead against the door and closed her eyes.
She leaned back against the wood, heart racing, breath uneven. Safe. For now.
Outside, she knew Luke was still there. Watching. Guarding.
Whatever he’d been before, whatever lines he’d drawn?—
Luke Bennett was not okay with danger touching her.
Grace stayed there a moment longer,forehead pressed to the door.
“Everything okay?” Eli called.
Grace found him leaning against the kitchen counter, nursing a beer.
“It’s fine,” she said. “Luke walked me home.”
Eli was quiet for a moment.
"I'm going to go back to the city," he said.
Grace's stomach dropped. "What?"
"Not forever." He met her eyes. "Just — I need to make contact. With the people looking for me."
Grace crossed her arms. “That’s not safe, Eli.”
He didn’t answer right away. He rubbed the back of his neck, pacing once toward the sink and back again.
"I brought this to your door," he said quietly.
Grace went very still.
“Eli.”
