Chapter 20: The Night

Nolan opened the hotel room door at seven exactly.

He had taken off his jacket and his cap. His sleeves were rolled to the elbow, and his hair was damp from a shower.

Elise stepped in and shut the door behind her with her heel.

"You're early," he said.

"I'm on time. You were waiting."

"For about an hour."

She put her bag on the floor, and she put both hands on the front of his shirt.

"I said the doorway," she said.

"You did."

She undid the first button, and then the second.

His breathing changed. He kept his hands at his sides, flat against the door frame, and she could see what it cost him.

"You can touch me," Elise said.

"I want to be sure I'm allowed."

"Nolan." She looked up at him. "I have not wanted anything for myself in five years. Touch me."

He did.

His hands came up under her jaw and into her short hair, and he kissed her.

It was slow for a beat.

Then she pushed his shirt off his shoulders and it hit the floor, and he made a low noise against her mouth and lifted her off her feet.

Her back met the wall by the closet.

"Terms," he said, breathless, against her throat.

"Overruled."

"Elise."

"My doctor cleared me at six weeks. I asked her twice." She pulled his head down. "Don't you dare be careful."

"Careful is all I know how to be."

"Then learn something else."

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