Chapter 14.3

She made herself look forward during that brief flash of brilliant light.

She feared that if she looked at Nick and saw that sharp light on that strong, tense face, she might have a meltdown right there on the walkway.

By the time they reached her door, her heart was about to pound its way out of her chest. Not from exertion, but from anticipation, and maybe a wild case of nerves.

The Tribute Inn used actual metal keys for its guest rooms. Simple

enough, in theory, but she couldn’t seem to fit hers into the lock. That might have had something to do with the way her hands were trembling, as if she had the palsy.

“Need help?”

She laughed. “I’d say no, I’ve been putting keys in locks all my life, but tonight I don’t seem—”

He put his hands on her shoulders and turned her to face him. “It’s all right, Shannon. We don’t have to do this if you don’t want to. It’s okay to change your mind.”

Flash. Lightning traced highlights and shadows on his face, this time giving him a predatory look that