Chapter Twelve

 

 

 

Duncan was glad to get in the car and drive away. Ellie fell silent and gazed through the window as they drove away from Show Low and onto the Reservation. He looked at her out of the corner of his eye and wished, for once, that he could tempt fate and break the speed limit. He burned from wanting her. Instead, he put his hand over hers, where it rested on her leg. “Are you all right?”

“I am. I’m fine. I just want to get home and enjoy some peace and quiet.” Her voice was wistful. “Such a simple thing.”

“Yeah, I know.” He squeezed her hand. “I intend to spoil you rotten for the next couple of days.” Something inside turned slowly when she smiled at him.

“I’m looking forward to that most of all.” Ellie grinned. “What did you have in mind?”

“You’ll have to wait and see.” Duncan pressed slightly harder on the gas.

“I think I can guess.”

He nearly drove off the road when she slid her hand toward the inside of his thigh. He bit his lip. “Darling, if you keep doing that, I might have to pull over somewhere and, somehow, I don’t think the Reservation police would be too happy with us.”

Her laugh, low and liquid, chipped away at his resolve. “No, I don’t suppose they would be.”

“Don’t worry, it won’t take long.” He didn’t think anything would take long, once he got Ellie in the house. He glanced at her. She’d shifted in her seat, resting her knees against the dashboard. Static made her hair cling to the upholstery. The sun filtered through the window and brought light to her eyes.

“I hope not.” She sighed, turning her head to look at him.

Duncan wanted to pull off the road, find a track leading into the pine forest and take her in the long grass while blue jays squabbled overhead and sunlight fell through the trees. He was glad that the road was empty—his dick pushed against his jeans and he ached.

“Are you all right?” Ellie asked. “You look a little distracted.”

He laughed. “Yeah, I’m a little distracted, as you so delicately put it.” He reached for her, finding her neck. Her skin quivered. Duncan felt goosebumps when he slipped his fingers beneath her T-shirt. He unfastened her bra and ran his hand along the silky curve of her back.

“Now I’m distracted.” Ellie sighed again. “Put your pedal to the metal, buster, and get us home.”

 

The road wound down through the Gonzales Pass. Ellie glanced back and said goodbye to the mountains. As the canyon walls fell away, they revealed the flat desert at their feet—a broad expanse of dust, creosote bushes and cacti. A pair of dust devils twisted around each other in a dance as ancient as the desert. Mirages lingered in the midday heat. Duncan turned up the air conditioning.

“It’s boring to look at, isn’t it?” Ellie sighed, already missing the cool, damp air of the mountains.

“It is pretty desperate.” He reached over and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I don’t blame you for wanting to leave.”

Ellie laughed. “The governor wondered what he’d done to get transferred to Arizona. He said he’d see about a transfer for me. Somewhere back east.”

“Is that what you want?”

She looked at him. “Yes, more than anything, now.” Returning to the desert felt like resuming a prison sentence.

“I’ve been thinking. I have one or two contacts back there who might be able to help you out. I’m going to phone them…if that’s all right with you.”

Ellie wanted to cry—another item on the list of things Duncan did for her. She swallowed at the lump in her throat. “That would be fine.” She curled her hand around his. “Thank you. How am I ever going to find a way of thanking you for everything you’ve done?”

She laughed when Duncan winked at her. “Oh, I have a pretty good idea.”

He turned south on 79. In spite of the air conditioning, Ellie could already feel the heat. It shimmered on the road and baked the dirt. She glanced back, disappointed that there were no clouds. She would miss the mountain rain. The road was quiet and she noticed that Duncan had picked up a little on the speed. She smiled to herself and put her hand on his leg, grinning when he caught his breath.

“Ellie, you’re a witch.”

“No, I just want you.”

“The feeling’s mutual.” He eased the car to a halt at a traffic light, leaned across the seat and kissed her. His hand crept beneath her shirt. Ellie bit her lip when he brushed her nipple. She closed her eyes, feeling the heat rise as he pressed his lips to hers. His tongue glided across her bottom lip. She kissed him back, sighing into his mouth.

“How much farther?” He let her go when the driver of the car behind leaned on his horn.

“Ten minutes.” Ellie touched her lips, still feeling the pressure of his.

“I think I can just about hold out that long.”

Ellie glanced at his crotch and the telltale bulge there. “Oh…” She clamped her trembling hands between her knees and mentally checked off the landmarks—the vineyard, the crumbling mound of an ancient Hohokam ball court, the gravel pit, the cemetery, an old trailer park, finally the overpass. She trembled as he turned off the state road and onto the boulevard. He nearly ran a red light before taking a right.

Nothing had really changed. The street was quiet in the early afternoon heat, the mesquites were still. Nothing in Ellie felt still. She curled her hands on her lap and tapped her bare foot restlessly. He pulled into the drive, behind her car. “I’m not even sure I can make it to the bedroom, Ellie.”

“Nor me.” She hurried out of the car and fumbled under the flower pot on the porch for the spare keys, anxious to get in the house before any of her neighbors realized she was home.

“I’ll get the stuff out of the car later.” Duncan’s hand was already sliding beneath her T-shirt. His voice was hoarse.

“That’s all right.” Ellie opened the door, relieved that the air conditioning was still working. Duncan was right behind her. He closed the door and locked it. Before she could move, he had her backed to the door. He curled one hand into her hair while he worked frantically at her jeans with the other. His mouth covered hers and Ellie found herself breathless. She scrabbled for his shirt, pushing it away from his chest, and went for his fly buttons as her jeans tumbled around her ankles. He pulled away, only long enough to wrench her T-shirt over her head, then he was kissing her again, breathing her name between kisses when she tugged at his jeans.

“My God, Ellie.” His erection pushed toward her stomach as he kissed her feverishly. Ellie pushed back, her tongue coiled around his. He was all there was, the scent of him overwhelming her. She clung to him, pulling him closer.

“Bed,” he gasped.

“Yes.” She wondered if she’d make it that far. Ellie’s head spun as they reeled toward the bedroom.

They fell, locked together, onto the bed.

“Bloody hell, Ellie.” He nipped at her shoulder. “I think I’m going to explode.”

He kissed her hungrily, moving from her mouth, to her throat, to her breasts. He lapped at her nipples and Ellie clung to him, wanting him inside. She pushed her hips to his, feeling his hardness.

He groaned against her throat. “I’m sorry, darling. I don’t think I can wait.”

“It’s all right.” She gasped when he thrust into her. “Neither can I.”

“God, you’re beautiful.” He eased back slightly, his hands framing her face.

“So are you, but please don’t stop.”

Duncan hid his face in her hair and chuckled. “All right, I won’t.” He pushed into her once more.

Ellie wrapped her legs around him, wanting to keep him there. She plunged her hands into his hair then, as his breath quickened, so did he. Ellie moved with him, rising to his thrusts. She knew him, now, knew what he liked. She ran her fingers along his back and grasped his hips, keeping him close. Nothing separated them. The heat she had nursed since they’d been on the road rose within her. She spiraled upward, the room faded away and Duncan became all that there was and all that she wanted. She threw her head back and cried out in time with him. He tumbled into her arms and into the tangle of sheets. His head was heavy on her shoulder.

“My God, Ellie.”

She stroked his hair, still breathless. The bedroom fell into silence, broken only by the rasp of his breath. Eventually, his breathing slowed and Ellie found her voice. “Wow.”

“I take it the earth moved for you?” He draped his arm across her waist.

“Heaven and earth,” Ellie replied. “I think I saw stars.”

He chuckled softly. “That makes two of us. Welcome home, Ellie.”

She brushed her lips across his forehead. “Thank you. Thank you for bringing me home.”

“My pleasure,” he purred. “Please tell me we don’t have to leave the house.”

“We don’t have to leave the house.”

“Thank Christ for that.” He shifted against her.

“Well…we might, if you want to eat. I haven’t even looked in the refrigerator.”

He kissed her, a long languid kiss that left her wanting him again. “A dinner of herbs would be just fine.”

“That depends whether Lupe remembered to look after the garden.” Ellie returned the kiss and ran her hand across his chest. She wanted to remember everything, knowing that the handful of days and nights would be all she would have of him. “Why? Are you hungry?”

“Not for food.”

“Again? Already?” Ellie felt warmth rise inside her.

“Ellie, darling.” He moved his hand through her hair. “We haven’t got a lot of time and I wonder if I’ll ever get enough of you.”

She wanted to cry. Instead, she rose to his touch, closing her eyes while his hands and his body worked their magic once more.

 

* * * *

 

Duncan woke first, caught up in a tangle of bed sheets and Ellie’s limbs. She was curled up beside him, one leg threaded through his, one arm thrown across his waist. Her head was tucked under his chin, the fine web of hair tickling him. He caressed her shoulder, trying to memorize the warm silk of her skin. Ellie murmured in her sleep and edged closer. The late-afternoon sun slipped through a gap in the curtains and fell across the bed, touching her skin with gold. Duncan watched her sleeping for a while, the slow and steady rise and fall of her chest, the soft exhale of her breath, leaving tiny gusts of warmth. She fit so well beside him, as if she was always meant to be there. He brushed his lips across her forehead, savoring the scent of her.

He wanted her to wake up so that he could make love to her again in the soft glow of the afternoon light. He wanted to hear her whisper his name between kisses. She’d moved as if she knew him, knew his ways. No other woman had managed to slip under his skin the way Ellie had. He sighed into her hair and pulled her closer. She stirred and opened her eyes.

“Hi.”

She smiled, a sleepy smile that tugged at him. “Hello.” It would be impossible to forget the drowsy purr of her voice or the way she stretched, like a cat. “How long have we been asleep?”

Duncan leaned over her and picked up his watch. “It’s five-ish, so…an hour or two.”

“I suppose I should get up and have a look in the kitchen. I wouldn’t want you to starve.”

He sat up with a sigh. “I’d better get my stuff out of the car. There’s some wine in there that could do with cooling down.”

“Wine would be nice.”

She swung her legs over the side of the bed. “I suppose I’d better find some clothes.” She rose and stretched once more.

“You don’t have to, you know. Not on my account.”

Ellie laughed. “I think it would be better if I did. Once Lupe sees your car in the driveway, she’ll be over here like a shot.” She sorted through her dresser and found a T-shirt and a pair of jeans.

He was sorry to see her back in clothes. She ran her hands through her hair and grinned at him. “Are you going to get dressed, or don’t you mind Lupe seeing you in all your glory?”

Duncan retrieved his jeans from the living room floor, slipped into them and went out into the heat. There were three bottles of wine left and he put them into his bag, with his laptop and Ellie’s gifts. They were another reminder that he would have to leave all too soon. He cursed himself for getting soft in his old age and for letting himself feel too much. It was going to be bloody hard saying goodbye.

 

Ellie looked in the refrigerator. After nearly two weeks, the tomatoes were bordering on mush, the eggplants were wrinkled and the peppers cloudy with mold. She threw them into the bin and checked the freezer. Ground beef would have to do. She knew there were plenty of jars of homemade pasta sauce in the cupboard. She opened the back door and ventured into the garden. She was relieved to see that everything was still green and the soil damp with evidence of a recent watering.

“Do we get to eat?”

Ellie glanced back and found Duncan in the doorway, lean and beautiful in nothing but his jeans. She bit her lip and wanted to run her hand across his chest, feel the hair beneath her fingers. “Spaghetti and meatballs, with salad, how’s that?”

“Lovely.”

God, so are you. Ellie thought it was a shame that they would have to spend precious time eating.

“Hey, neighbor!” Lupe’s head appeared over the top of the fence. “You’re home.”

Ellie grinned. “I am.”

“The chief told me you were safe.”

“He did?”

“Yeah, I think he felt guilty.”

“Good,” Duncan said.

“Oh, hey, you’re back too.” Lupe grinned. “Nice to see you again.” She looked at Ellie and winked. “We’ll catch up later. Do you want some eggs?”

“Eggs would be nice, and some bread if you can spare some. I’ve got nothing in the house for breakfast.”

“Hang on. I’ll get you some milk too.” She disappeared and, moments later, handed over a bag of eggs, half a loaf of bread and a small carton of milk. “It isn’t much, considering how much stuff I’ve taken from your garden. Let me know if you need anything else.”

“Thanks, Lupe.”

“I’m gonna leave you two alone.” She winked again at Ellie. “I’m guessing you both want some peace and quiet.”

Ellie leaned against Duncan. “Thanks, I guess we do.”

“I’ll see you later. Enjoy.” She disappeared once more.

“I like Lupe,” Duncan murmured in her ear. “She’s smart.”

“She’s been a good neighbor.” Ellie handed him the bag. “Now, I’m going to find some stuff for salad.”

When she returned to the house, Ellie found Duncan on the couch, searching through a battered black book jammed with scraps of paper, business cards and loose pages. She sat beside him. “What’s that?”

“My little black book.” He kissed her cheek. “I’m looking for Paul Conlan’s number.”

“Who’s he?” She brushed her lips across his bare shoulder and smiled when he trembled.

“He runs a farm in Pennsylvania—it’s a huge place, owned by a charitable trust. They grow food for giving away and they run classes to teach people how to grow their own. He’s snowed under with paperwork. I was going to call and tell him I’d found someone who could come to his rescue.” Duncan looked at her. “If you want me to, that is. It’s a lovely place, right out in the country.”

Ellie loved his uncertainty. Pennsylvania would be green, and there would be four seasons a year with rain and snow. She had forgotten what snow felt like. It wouldn’t be a whole country away from her family. “I’d like that. It sounds nice.”

“There’s a lot of money tied up in the trust. He’d probably pay for your move. Can I call him?”

“Please.”

He set the book down and put his arm around her shoulder. Ellie rested against him and traced lazy circles across his chest. The ground beef still had to defrost. There was no need to be starting dinner just yet. She let her fingers drift down past his stomach, gliding toward the top of his jeans. Knowing that he wore nothing beneath them made Ellie weak with longing. She smiled when she heard his breath catch in his throat.

“Ellie.”

“I can’t seem to help myself.” She kissed him.

His lips were firm against hers. “What have you done to me, Ellie?”

“I don’t know,” she whispered, while he guided her back toward the bedroom.

 

* * * *

 

“Ellie?” Duncan’s voice was hoarse.

Ellie stirred and rested her chin on his chest, gazing at him. Dinner still had to be made, but she didn’t feel inclined to move. “Yes?”

He stroked her hair, pushing it gently away from her face. “I have a favor to ask you.”

At that moment, she would’ve done anything for him. “What?”

“I want to remember you…in as many ways as possible.” He sat up and ran his hand through his hair, raising a coxcomb of curls. “Can I take some pictures of you?”

“Now? Like this?”

“Yes, exactly like this.” He kissed her, a sweet, fierce kiss that made Ellie want to weep. “All rumpled and sleepy and beautiful.” He trailed his hand across her cheek. “Please?”

Ellie looked at him. The mute appeal in his eyes masked something deeper, something she knew he would never share with her. “Yes, if I can take some pictures of you. It works both ways, buster.” She wanted to ask if there was the remotest of chances that they would see each other again but she didn’t want to know the answer. Ellie preferred to carry on in blind hope. Photos would be a small consolation.

He grinned. “Don’t move, don’t move an inch.”

She watched him roll out of bed and sort through his bag. He retrieved the camera and sat down on the edge of the bed.

“What do you want me to do?” she asked. She’d never imagined herself as a nude model.

“Nothing.” He smiled at her, his eyes warm. “Just be you, the way you are now. That’s how I want to remember you. Try and pretend that I haven’t got the camera.”

She eyed him doubtfully and leaned back against the headboard. Ellie tried to pretend that she didn’t hear the soft hiss and click of the camera. She smiled at Duncan.

“Beautiful.” He breathed. “Ellie, you’re just beyond words.”

“You’re being kind.”

His lips brushed hers. “I’m telling the truth.”

Ellie took the camera from him and peered through the viewfinder. Duncan rested on his side, head propped up on his hand. The evening light fell across his skin and flushed it with pale gold. Shadows lingered in the hollows beneath his collarbones. His gaze was warm and a half smile curved his lips. She took the photos. It was how she wanted to remember him, although she didn’t know how she’d be able to look at the pictures without aching, for a long time to come. When Ellie was done, she handed the camera back to him.

“I should see about getting dinner ready now,” she told him, unwilling to say any more for fear of bursting into tears.

 

* * * *

 

Duncan sat at the kitchen table. “I’ve just phoned Paul. He’d love to talk to you. It’s good, Ellie. The pay isn’t all that great but the job comes with a house on the farm, and all the utility bills would be paid. He’s up to his arse in paperwork when he really needs to be out and about promoting the programs and the farm. I think it’s perfect for you. It’s just outside Pittsburgh, so you’re not exactly in the middle of nowhere.”

Ellie added sauce to the meatballs and turned to face him. His hair was still tousled from another hour in bed. “It sounds good. It would be lovely to get out of here. I’ve had enough.” She sank into a chair. “I miss green places and rivers with water in them.”

He reached across the table and folded her hand in his. “This could be really good for you.”

Ellie thought that Duncan would be really good for her. She hated that he would be leaving her, that she would never see him again. She decided that he was worth the pain she’d endure when he left. He had given her a handful of days that she wouldn’t forget. “I’ll phone him.”

“What will you do with this place?”

She took a sip of wine. “This house isn’t worth the price of the paper the deed’s written on. I’ll sign it over to the government, they can put someone in here that needs it. I’ll get a few thousand dollars, which is better than nothing. I just want a new start. There’s nothing for me here, there hasn’t been for years. I like the idea of living on a farm.”

“It’s very nice out there, peaceful, no dust devils, no graffiti, just hills and trees.”

“Perfect.” If she buried herself in a new job, a new home, a new life, she’d find it easier to get over him. She’d be too busy finding her feet to pine and mope.

“Good.” He leaned across the table and kissed her. “You deserve some luck, Ellie.”

“I guess I do. Although meeting you was lucky.”

“The feeling’s mutual.” He raised his glass. “Here’s to a fresh start.”

Smiling, Ellie touched her glass to his. “I can drink to that.”

 

* * * *

 

Duncan was used to goodbyes. He packed his bag while Ellie made a late breakfast, and tried to look forward to getting back to his flat. Usually, by the end of such a long stint, he’d be packing with enthusiasm and anticipating a return to London with more relish. Instead, he folded his clothes slowly while he sat on the rumpled bed. He ran his hand across her pillow, lingering in the hollow where she’d rested her head.

“Breakfast is ready,” Ellie called from the kitchen.

Duncan could tell that she was trying to sound cheerful, but he heard the catch in her voice—a note of trying to be okay with everything. He picked up the little bag from the shop in Show Low and walked into the kitchen. Ellie was at the counter pouring the coffee. Two plates of scrambled eggs, toast and bacon waited on the table.

“Are you all packed and ready to roll?” she asked.

“Yes.” He held the bag behind his back and sank into a chair.

Ellie set the coffee mug in front of him and sat down. “You’d better eat up before it gets cold.”

He reached across the table and took her hand, caressing the back of it with his thumb. “In a minute.” Duncan put the bag on the table. “When I was on my way to Show Low, I stopped to get some petrol on the Reservation. While I was waiting for the checkout girl to get off the phone, which, incidentally, she never did, I noticed a bunch of these hanging above the cash register.” He pulled the little white box from the bag. “I thought, if I bought it for you, I’d know that I’d see you again. It’s just a little thank you for…well…being you.”

Duncan watched her lift the lid and pick up the necklace.

“You didn’t have to do this.” Her eyes were dark and the little catch was back in her voice. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.” She handed it back to him. “Will you put it on for me?”

He stood and draped the necklace around her throat, pushing her hair aside to fasten the catch. He kissed the nape of her neck, wishing he could linger there, inhaling the scent of her skin. Instead, he sat down once more. Ellie’s eyes were suddenly bright with tears. Her smile wavered.

“Then, when I was stuck in Show Low waiting for things to start happening, I found this in a gift shop.” Duncan picked up the ring and took her right hand. “It was too beautiful to pass up and, since we were married for a couple of days, I figured it was appropriate.” He tried to smile, make light of it, and failed. “You’ve given me so much, Ellie, and I’ve got sod all to give you in return.” He slid the ring onto her finger. “Will you wear this and remember me?”

She nodded and his breath caught in his throat when the tears slid down her face. “As if I’d ever forget you,” she said softly. “It’s lovely. I don’t know what to say.”

Duncan leaned across the table, took her face in his hands, and kissed her. He tasted her tears and brushed them away. “To be honest, neither do I.”

 

Ellie forgot about breakfast and kissed him back, curling her fingers into his hair.

His response was slow and sweet.

“One last time, please,” she whispered into his mouth. “Can we just say goodbye one last time?”

“Yes.”

Ellie took his hand and led him back into the bedroom. She slid out of her clothes and stood there, watching Duncan as he gazed at her. His eyes were dark with secrets. Ellie wanted to remember everything. She patiently addressed the buttons on his shirt, kissing his skin as each button was undone. Ellie savored the taste of his skin, the scent of him. She nuzzled the fine, dark line of hair above his jeans and smiled, seeing the bulge there. Standing, Ellie then slowly lowered the zip until he sprang free.

“Ellie.” His voice was a whisper. He trailed his hand down her arm to her hand. Ellie closed her eyes when he raised her hand to his lips and kissed her palm. “Dear God, Ellie.” He pulled her close and she rested against him, wanting these final few hours to last forever while he stroked her hair and sighed.

He eased her onto the bed and Ellie watched him while he covered her torso with gentle, light kisses. She trembled, wanting him inside her and not wanting it to be over. He returned to her mouth, his tongue coiled around hers. Ellie shifted beneath him, determined to remember the feel of his skin against hers and the way every move and every touch was tender. She let him lead the dance. Every leisurely stroke of his hand was electric, every nerve responded to his touch. Her body was no longer hers. His hand traced her curves, raising goosebumps in its wake. Ellie was torn between wishing this would last forever and wanting the burning need in her to be resolved. She gasped as he slid his fingers lower, exploring, gliding into her moisture. Duncan’s lips followed, his tongue trailing along the inside of her thighs and venturing higher, tentative at first then teasing before returning to her breasts.

Duncan swirled his tongue around her nipples and Ellie trembled, afraid of losing it altogether. She bit her lip and fought for some semblance of self-control. Moisture gathered between her legs and she longed for release. Ellie arched her back and he slid one arm beneath her. His kisses were more insistent and his erection pushed against her, seeking entry.

She gasped, reaching for him. “Please, Duncan.”

“Yes.” His sigh was warm on her neck. “Darling.” He plunged into her and moaned softly.

Duncan moved with breathtaking slowness, as if they had all the time in the world, rising and sinking into her. Every leisurely thrust brought her closer to sweet oblivion and the heat rose inside her. She pulled him close and kissed him hard, beyond words as his hips moved rhythmically against hers. It was getting hard to breathe and she needed to take her time. Duncan kept moving, his breath coming in short gasps, and she couldn’t help but follow him. He filled her and Ellie wanted to lose herself in him. Something in him tugged at her like the tide, like a homecoming. She cradled his face in her hands, watching him, determined to memorize everything. His eyes opened and were unfathomable when he looked at her.

“Ellie.” He breathed. His mouth covered hers.

Finally, he tumbled forward and released a long, shuddering sigh. He thrust hard into her. Ellie cried out when she came and he whispered her name before he fell into her arms.

Breathless, Ellie pulled him close. In the late-morning silence, she held him one final time, her face in his hair. She fought to hold herself together because she knew, when he left, it would tear her to pieces. Duncan wrapped himself around her, his heart hammering against her chest. His hands drifted across her face.

“I’m going to miss you.” He sighed, his breath warm on her neck. “More than I can ever say.”

“I’ll miss you too.” Ellie traced the hollow of his collarbone with her fingers, loving the silk of his skin. She closed her eyes and swallowed at the tightness in her throat. She knew if she tried to speak again, she would cry and she didn’t want those final moments marred by tears.

 

* * * *

 

They stood in the driveway in the relentless early afternoon heat. Clouds piled up above the Rim, promising rain by nightfall. Duncan put his bag in the back seat of the car while Ellie, pale and silent, looked on, her arms folded across her chest.

“I suppose I’d better go,” he told her. Every word stuck in his throat. He put his arms around her and closed his eyes as she leaned into him.

“Yes.” Her voice was a whisper. Her hands drifted down his back.

“I’ll miss you, Ellie.”

“I’ll miss you. Will you keep in touch?”

“I’ll email you as soon as I get home.” He brushed his lips across her forehead and cupped her face in his hands. “Goodbye, Ellie. Look after yourself and thank you for everything.”

“I should be thanking you.”

The pain in her eyes tore at him. He could barely look at her. Instead he kissed her, reeling when she kissed him back—a kiss heavy with unspoken words. She stepped away and, in spite of the furnace heat of the day, Duncan felt a chill in the space she’d vacated.

“Goodbye.” Her smile didn’t touch her eyes. “Safe journey.”

Duncan opened the car door. He had run out of words. Nothing he could say would ease the pain of this goodbye for either of them. He wanted to be away, to nurse his hurts alone. “Goodbye, Ellie.” He slid into the car, wincing as his hands touched the burning-hot steering wheel. He closed the door and rolled the window down. Ellie had her arms folded across her chest once more. Duncan saw her flinch when the engine purred into life. He turned the air conditioner up to full. The stale air smelled of dry desert. “I’ll be in touch, I promise.”

She nodded. “I’ll look forward to that.”

He slipped the car into reverse and backed out of the driveway. Ellie didn’t wave. He did, trying to smile. It didn’t work. He drove away, watching her in the rearview mirror. She was the only spark of life on the silent street, standing in the drive with storm clouds rising behind her. When he reached the intersection, Duncan looked back one last time. Ellie turned to walk toward the house and paused. She bent like a willow wand before the wind and covered her face with her hands. Swallowing at the lump in his throat, Duncan wiped his eyes and turned left.