Chapter Nine

Valerie leaned back in her chair, propping her feet up on the wall that circled the roof as a slight breeze brushed against her, soothing her tired muscles. She held her wineglass with both hands as she blew out the exhaustion that filled her from the day she had in a slow, steady breath, her shoulders slumping a little as she settled back. In the distance, the sun began to set behind the oaks that lined the back of the property, a hawk drifting slowly across the darkening sky. Tranquil. Her night was peaceful, and after the past month, peaceful was exactly what she needed.

“And here I thought I’d be the only one out here tonight,” Damien’s voice came from behind her.

She turned, glancing over at him as she realized her quiet night just got shattered. “It’s relaxing sitting up here,” she told him. “I could see this being a major spot for me.”

Damien nodded as he slid a chair over to sit beside her, a beer in