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She took a deep breath, hoping to get aithout hi tears He’d read too much into that, want to knohy If she did, she could always tell him she’d miss Jason That was the truth

“Good night, Trey” She couldn’t bring herself to say goodbye

Trey reached out and gently pulled her into a hug “Promisemuffled and far away

“I promise” She held herself stiffly, afraid to release into his warmth, afraid she’d never want to exit his eood-night kiss She closed her eyes telling herself she could get through this She’d certainly gotten through worse

He released her and ran a gentle hand down her cheek, staring into her face with eyes that spoke of loneliness and regrets

“Thank you, Kelly”

“For what?” she whispered

“For being you” He kissed her then, his lips ht touch But his face remained close, his breath hot on her chin She had the distinct i And then hisher as if he didn’t want to let her go, pressing his body into hers She couldn’t help but lean into him and slide her arms around his waist Yes, this hat she wanted, what she needed

But when she heardin her throat, she pulled back, a hand to her lips, knowing those little noises gave her away as surely as a signed confession Their gazes locked and understanding passed between them Yes, he did want to make love to her

But it would be the last tiht of h Not for her anyway Still, she hesitated for ato open his shirt and place her cheek against his bare chest and feel his heart race, even if it would be the du she’d ever done

No way This parting was already too hard

Without saying a word, she turned and fled to the safety of her room Trey didn’t follow her

“ADAM CHANDLER, THIS is the FBI” Ballard’s voice boomed into the quiet dawn “You are surrounded Come out with your hands up”

Crouched behind an FBI vehicle, gun drawn, her heart racing, Kelly waited with dozens of FBI agents for a response to Ballard’s demand Everyone focused on a one-story concrete block ho paint and a blue tarp suspended over one section of the roof A rusted truck sat in the front yard full of weeds growing higher than the truck’s bumper