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Before turning onto the road, he turns to me, “She’s sharp, and very kind.”

“When I returned, she was at the airport to pick me up; she wanted to know more about Hildy and my impression of her. Of course, I sing her praises, and she snuck out of the country without Lenzin or my parents knowing to go get a feel for her herself. When she returned, she was armed with research on the hill they had, John and his family. We never knew we had been born of Jewish women.” I laugh. “I'm not even sure my mother knew she was Jewish.”

“They've had to live in fear; that's understandable to hide something precious to you.”

“Well, you have no idea what your little admittance just did in there.”

Pulling out onto the road, he laughs, “It just means your parents are going to love me.”

“Are you practicing?”

He laughs, “My adopted parents, you are very Catholic. So no, but that doesn't mean I don't believe in God.”

I can't help but laugh. “I'm gonna guess you didn't fly all the way from Chicago to talk about religion.”

“You are correct.” He pulls out onto the road. “But I think it's been clear since I picked you up from the airport in Chicago that you and I could talk about anything.”

My smile. “Yeah, we sure can.”

CHAPTER 18

WALDRUH

Rez

Ipull up beside the rental and put the car in park.

For a few seconds, neither of us moves.

I could tell her.

The words are right there, pressing against my teeth. Come with me. Stay with me. Sleep in my bed. No, not that. Sleep beside me. Let me hold you while you sleep, while I sleep, while the world stays quiet for once and neither of us has to count the hours until we’re apart again.

Eleven days.

That’s how long I have before I’m supposed to be back in Chicago. Eleven days I haven’t told her about, because the last thing I want is for her to feel as though I’ve arrived with expectations she never agreed to meet.

I’ve already crossed not only the line I drew for myself, but an entire ocean. Because I needed to see her.

Now I’m sitting beside her, holding her hand, and I still want more than I have any right to ask for.

So, I keep my mouth shut for another moment.

“I should check out the rental,” I tell her finally. “Make sure it’s what they promised me. If it isn’t, I’ll find a hotel for the rest of my stay.”

“How far away is it?”

“Outside Garmisch-Partenkirchen. In the mountains.” I glance at her. “I didn’t want to be too close. I didn’t want you to feel like I was imposing.”

Her expression softens. “I don’t have any plans today. Not until this evening. I promised my parents I’d have dinner with them.” I nod, trying not to let myself read too much into the information. “I could come with you.”

I look at her. “It’s a little over an hour away.”

“I heard you.”

“You sure?”

“Yes.”