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“Oh” She sratitude “It’s nice tome”

Garrett sirl No thanks required”

Sawyer’s girl…

A happy bubble rose in her, dispelling the re coldness within

Yet the moment she allowed herself to experience that second of happiness, a flood of other e back the shock and terror of all she’d been through that night Her breath hitched, and her body stiffened

Sawyer frowned and turned to Garrett “Mind giving us a minute alone?”

“Of course not” Garrett gave Chloe another endearing smile “Perhaps we could o out for a couple beers”

“I’d like that,” Chloe said, though she couldn’t muster a smile in return

Garrett nodded to her and then slapped Sawyer on the back “The chief said he’d drive you and Chloe home when you’re ready”

“Thank you”

When Garrett moved away from them, Sawyer lifted his hand and brushed the side of her cheek She shut her eyes and leaned into his touch, co all over the place Should she cry, laugh, or shout in anger? Inside, her heart raced Outside, her entire body trembled

“Chloe, look at me”

His soft voice made her reopen her eyes

Gentleness washed across his expression as his fingers traveled over the side of her face “While it’s great to be strong, sometimes it’s okay not to be”

She gulped, the vision of hi for release