Relief hit hard enough that I had to look away.
“She asked whether being your partner made me feel pressured.”
I waited.
“I said no.”
“Thank you for telling me.”
“She also asked whether I wanted someone else to handle my care.”
My fingers tightened against the counter’s edge.
“What did you say?”
“No.”
The word was quiet and firm.
“She asked why,” Noah continued.
“What did you tell her?”
“That I don’t understand why.”
He met my gaze.
“But I know I want you here.”
I crossed the room slowly.
“Can I sit with you?”
He moved the blanket aside.
I took the far end of the couch.
Noah glanced at the distance between us. “That seems excessive.”
“I’m giving you room.”
“You are practically in another postal district.”
I shifted closer by several inches.
“Acceptable?”
“Barely.”
Marlowe wandered in from the hallway, evaluated the available space, and climbed directly between us. He turned twice before sitting on my foot.
Noah laughed.
“He has declared allegiance.”
“He has none.”
“He chose my room last night.”
