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I open a cabinet. "Where do you keep it?"

"Second shelf."

“Found it. Fresh coffee coming up.”

"Thanks, Maddy."

I glance back at him. “You’re welcome.”

I make coffee. Outside the kitchen windows, the farm is washed clean. Water drips from the trees. Sunlight catches in the wet grass, and somewhere beyond the cottage, birds have started making an unreasonable amount of noise. It's hard to believe how dark everything was a few hours ago.

Javier joins me at the counter. I hand him a mug. "Thanks."

We drink our coffee in the quiet kitchen. Javier keeps looking at me as though he's waiting for something. After a while, he sets his mug down.

"Maddy... I..."

"I know."

He looks at me. I hold his gaze.

"When you're ready."

Something shifts in his expression. I don't ask what.

Javier checks his phone.

"Jack says the road's clear now."

I set my mug beside his. "I should go check on Mom and Noah."

"Of course."

"I'll let you know how they're doing."

"Please."

I change back into my clothes, gather my things, and find Javier waiting near the front door. For a moment, neither of us moves.

Then his hand finds mine. My fingers curl into his. His close around mine. I look up at him. He's still watching me with that same uncertainty, as if he's waiting to discover whether last night changed something between us.

It did. Just not the way he seems to think.

I lean toward him and gently press my lips to his. He goes still for a heartbeat. Then his fingers tighten around mine again, and he kisses me back. Softly. No urgency. No question. Just Javier.

I draw back, but I don't let go of his hand right away. "Bye, Javier."

His eyes stay on mine. "Bye, Maddy."

I give his hand one last squeeze and step outside. The morning is bright and clear, the storm already moving somewhere beyond Oakridge. When I reach my car, I look back.

Javier is still standing in the doorway with Atlas beside him. Watching me. I lift my hand. He lifts his.

Then I get into my car and head home.

Chapter Thirteen

Javier