Chapter Eighty-Seven

Burning Angel’s retinas and acting like he had a right to demand an explanation for her disappearance was probably not the best way for Colton to welcome her home. He should have been hugging her, and thanking her for coming back.

But the pain in his heart was still fresh, and she’d caused it.

She propped herself up on her elbows and squinted at him. “Let’s just say it took me a little longer to get here than it should have, and leave it at that.”

“But—”

She flopped back down. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

What did that mean? He didn’t need the play by play. He just needed to know if—

“Are you all right?” he asked, because that was the most important thing.

“I have a sprained ankle, sore muscles, and I’m exhausted, but I’ll be fine.”

“Okay.”

Satisfied with her answer, he turned off the light and pulled her close. There would be time to talk later. She was here now. He didn’t care where she’d been. The important thing was that she was home.

After several moments, he felt pleasantly relaxed. He smiled. “You said you loved me.”

“No, I didn’t.”

He smiled wider. “You almost said it.”

She let out a small huff. “I don’t want to talk about that, either.”

“We’ll see about that,” he whispered, feeling happier than he’d felt in over a year. Because she’d just admitted she had almost said it.