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“Yes.”

He smiles. “Knew you’d find me.”

Ryder mutters something obscene.

It’s nearly one in the morning when Ryder walks me back to my room.

We stop outside my door.

Neither of us says anything.

I unlock it.

Turn around.

And then Ryder kisses me.

I immediately reach for his shirt.

He catches my hand. “Not tonight.”

I stare at him. “You cannot possibly be serious.”

“Never been more serious.”

“Why?”

“Because the first time I get you naked, librarian, I’m not squeezing it between a family emergency and hotel checkout.”

My frustration lasts approximately three seconds.

Then something warmer replaces it.

I search his face. “You don’t want to?”

Ryder takes my hand and presses it against his chest. His heart is hammering. “You’ve waited twenty-eight years, Clara.” His eyes hold mine. “I can wait until I can do this right.”

My throat tightens. “This isn’t over.”

His mouth curves. “Baby, I fucking hope not.”

He kisses me once more.

Then walks away.

I watch him disappear down the hall.

And seriously consider murdering Lila Dawson.

Chapter 8

Clara

Lila takes one look at me over her coffee and winces. “You’re still mad.”

“I’m considering ending our friendship.”

“Hank was missing.”