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He looked up at the tree fro Next to his jeans, a couple of blankets dangled in the breeze

"Good old Granger Don’t worry, he didn’t look"

Still chuckling, Ellison yanked down one of the blankets and folded it around Maria The scratchy wool smelled of smoke and outdoors, but it cut the wind

When they were dry, they dressed again Ellison looked at Maria plenty as she pulled clothes over her darinned at her again as he picked up his hat, but he didn’t set it on his still-wet hair

The sun was setting by the ti to a close Granger had a s at it with a long stick He invited them in, and Ellison took Maria’s hand and led her into the trailer

Inside was ser was a bachelor, obviously--no woman’s touch in the cluttered interior Maria sank down on the seat under the , and Ellison was beside her His ar her back into his warm body

Maria started to drift off to sleep The se, sweet odor, the trailer was co et up

Ellison slid his thumb under her jaw and turned her face to his His kiss was slow, hot, holding the salow

Granger came noisily in Ellison broke the kiss and cradled Maria back against hiet yourself arrested," she heard Ellison say, humor in his voice

"Nah The sheriff’s deputies around here are uys hang out here as long as you want, and leave when you’re ready There’s beer in the fridge and soet what"

"Sure" Ellison’s voice ruled up to that ruiven in to her desires, and she didn’t regret it one bit In the water, so close to the strong, caring Ellison, she’d put away fear and acted on new feelings

Ellison had been tender, gentle, taking it easy She’d felt hith for her He hadn’t wanted to hurt her or scare her

Now he held her safely against the darkening dayNo, the dark The as black now, the fire burned out, and only a weak light shone in the corner of the rooet home Tomorrow, Connor was to pick her up early and drive her to where she’d take her SATs She had to be ready

No, she had to stay here with Ellison He’d get her home and to bed in time It was nice to lean on sos away