Page 79 of The SEAL and the Sheriff

Silence stretched between them.

When he finally spoke, his voice was quieter. “I’ll tell you everything I can confirm.”

“And when you can’t?”

“I’ll tell you that too.”

She studied him for another long moment. It wasn’t everything. But it wasn’t nothing either. It was probably the most he’d trusted anyone in years.

“Thank you,” she said.

He frowned. “For what?”

“The pasta. And for telling me.”

His eyes searched hers as though waiting for the verdict.

She didn’t have one. She only knew she understood him a little better than she had an hour ago. And for the first time since he’d walked back into Aurora Cove, she wasn’t trying to work out whether Hudson Kane was hiding something from her. She was trying to understand how long he’d been carrying it alone.

The silence had grown too heavy to leave untouched. Her gaze drifted past him to the photographs. “Do you remember that day?”

Hudson turned to look.

The framed photo had yellowed at the edges. Wyatt, Ryder, and Caleb in a row, all elbows and grins.

“Ryder got stuck up the tree, and Caleb went up after him.”

“And fell out.” Her mouth curved.

He looked back at her. “You climbed up eventually.”

“Someone had to. Ryder was only eight.” She closed her eyes, the mug still held between both hands, her body finally giving up the fight now that there was no immediate threat trying to kill her.

“Sarah.”

“Mm.”

“You’re done.”

“I’m listening.”

“You’re asleep.”

“I’m resting my eyes.”

“Right.” He took the mug from her grip, and his fingers brushed hers. Heat moved through her in a clean, disproportionate line.

When she opened her eyes, he was kneeling in front of her. “Bed.”

She narrowed her gaze. “Bossy. I can walk.”

“I know.”

She should have insisted on walking, but fatigue had stripped her clean. “If you drop me, I’m arresting you.”

His arm slipped behind her shoulders, the other beneath her knees. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Then the floor disappeared. She didn’t stop him. Her hand landed against his shoulder, fingers curling into his shirt. It should have made her uncomfortable, but it felt like safety.