The parking lot lights cast soft shadows across his face, highlighting the firm line of his jaw and the faint stubble that had appeared during the day. His eyes met hers, and something inside her squeezed.
That was the problem.
A week ago, she'd been able to tell herself this was only a physical attraction. Simple. Manageable.
Now she knew better.
She knew what it felt like to laugh with him over dinner and talk for hours without running out of things to say, what it felt like to wake up tangled in his sheets, and how safe she felt in his arms.
The more time she spent with him, the harder it became to deny that she was falling for him.
A dangerous realization, especially considering the secret she still carried.
Eventually, everything would come to light. When it did, Seth would never look at her the same way again. The only way to keep that from happening would be to leave Hazard Falls before anyone learned the truth.
But walking away meant giving up any chance of claiming what was rightfully hers, getting to know the brother she'd only recently discovered, and whatever future she might have had with Seth.
Maybe that was why she didn't want to say goodnight.
Maybe she was tired of worrying about tomorrow.
“What?” Seth asked.
She blinked. Apparently she'd been staring.
A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “You've got that look.”
“What look?”
“The one where you're thinking too hard.”
She huffed out a laugh. “You make it sound like a character flaw.”
“It is.”
As her eyes narrowed, his grin widened.
The teasing took the edge off the nervous energy twisting through her. Before she could stop herself, before she could think through all the reasons she shouldn't, she heard herself say, “Do you want to come in?”
The question hung between them.
Seth didn't answer immediately. His gaze searched hers, and she got the distinct impression he was making sure she meant it rather than speaking on impulse.
Her motel room waited only a few yards away, its curtained window glowing softly from the lamp she'd left on.
“You sure?” he asked quietly.
The question mattered more than she could explain. There wasn't an ounce of pressure behind it. No assumption. No expectation. Just concern and a willingness to accept whatever answer she gave.
Shylo nodded. “Yeah.” Her voice came out softer than she'd intended. “I'm sure.”
His expression softened, though the look in his eyes grew more intent. Anticipation fluttered through her as he reached over and switched off the engine. The sudden absence of sound made the cab feel smaller, more intimate.
A few moments later, she stood outside her motel room, trying to slide the key card into the reader without looking like an idiot. Her concentration failed miserably. The card missed the slot on the first attempt.
Behind her, Seth chuckled.
She glanced over her shoulder. “Say one word, and I'll leave you standing out here.”
