She winced and said aloud, “I think I’m at my limit, and I don’t want to get into another argument. You’re exhausting when we butt heads. You need the time you asked for, and I’ve already said I’ll give it to you, but I’m not going to change my mind about returning to Atlanta.”

When his gaze narrowed in quick, disingenuous reaction, she knew she had struck a chord. He’d been strategizing how to argue her out of that decision.

He said, “Let’s start another negotiation.”

“I’m all lawyered out, babe.” She pushed the dark hair off his forehead. “I miss you already, and I’m worried about what the next eighteen weeks will do to you. There’s only one thing we can do to make this better, and that’s both of us getting through this intact.”

Sinking his fists into her hair, he kissed her until the muscles in her thighs shook. When he finally lifted his head, his eyes were bleak, and his expression had settled into grim lines. “I’ve got a rental car. I’ll take you to the airport.”

It was getting late. “You don’t have to…,” she began.

His composure cracked, and something volcanic and frightening flashed across his face. “I will take you. To. The fucking airport.”

Speechless, she nodded. Releasing his grip, he rolled off the bed, his movements quick and tight. She escaped into the lush bathroom to straighten herself. There was nothing she could do about her rumpled clothing or the stark look in her eyes. She drank some water, finger-combed her hair, and shrugged off the rest.

When she emerged, he had his phone out and had turned brisk. “Did you miss your flight?”

She didn’t know what time it was. She shrugged. “It doesn’t matter. If I have, I should be able to fly standby. I can sort it out at the airport.”

His mouth tightened, and he pocketed his phone. “Fine. Are you ready?”

He had turned distant. She nodded.

They made the drive to the airport in silence. When they drew close, he clamped a hand hard on her knee and didn’t let go until he pulled into a spot to drop her off. She unbuckled her seat belt, and as she turned to say goodbye, he rounded on her.

“I am not okay with total silence,” he said savagely. “Text me every night. One word. Just let me know you’re safe. And tell me when you make it back okay.”

“Yes,” she agreed in a whisper. “And you text me back too. Just a quick word. I want to know you’re safe too.”

They both leaned forward at once to share a searing kiss, until she couldn’t take any more. She tore herself away, climbed out, and walked blindly into the airport.