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“The thing is—see, the thing is, it’s 2010”

His eyebrows rose “I don’t get it Twenty-ten what?”

“The year My year”

“Your year for what?” he said with a puzzled smile

Sienna closed her eyes, then blinked them open “Actually—actually, I think we should talk about this another time”

“Sienna—”

“I’m tired and confused, Jesse All I want to do is sleep”

What he wanted were answers, but he kneasn’t the tireat idea

“You can sleep here It’s going to take tiht by the fire Okay?”

“What about you?”

“I’ll take the bedroom”

“You’ll be cold”

“Foolish woman Indian brave no feel cold”

She laughed Actually laughed He flashed an answering grin hat he wanted was to pump his fist in the air

“Okay,” he said briskly, “you settle down here I’ll be right down the hall Just call me if—”

“Don’t go” The words came out on one swift breath “Stay with me, Jesse Please Just hold me, that’s all Can you do that?”

Hell, no He was a man, not a saint

“Never mind,” she said quickly “Why would you want to? It was a crazy request You go ahead I’ll be—”

Jesse put a finger under her chin Tilted her face to his Brushed his lips softly over hers Then he knelt on the bed of blankets and offered Sienna his hand, the same way he had hours before on the sacred stone

But it wasn’t the saainst his

He drew her down beside him Lay back, curved his arm around her And when she yawned softly and lay her head on his shoulder, her hand over his heart, he knew that this, just this, was so before the dahts came on

She was asleep in seconds No nightht kiss to her hair

And none for him