Page 101 of Micah

But I keep my filthy thoughts to myself.

“Nah. Came with a manual and everything,” I tease.

She smiles again.

This one comes a little easier.

“I...” She bites her lip. “Would it be okay if I took a shower?”

I nod immediately and lower her to the floor.

“Bathroom's down the hall.”

“I probably smell like fryer grease.”

“You smell good.”

Her cheeks pink again.

“Well, I feel pretty rough.”

“A hot shower will help soothe your muscles. Take as long as you want.”

She disappears down the hallway, clutching the folded towel I hand her from the linen closet.

A minute later I hear the bathroom door click shut.

The lock slides home.

Good girl.

Water starts running.

And I feel something unfamiliar settle inside me.

It’s a sense of contentment.

Because Sloane is here.

She is inside my cabin safe and sound.

She'll always be safe with me.

For the first time all night, I let myself breathe.

Chapter 13-Micah

My phone vibrates.

It’s Sawyer.

Of course it is.

I answer before the second ring, my attention split between the call and the steady rush of water coming from down the hall.

“You good? Everything go okay?” he asks without preamble.

“Yeah.”