Cynthia felt relaxed and a little sleepy. Content to sit next to him, she didn’t feel the need to fill the silence. She scooted closer, and he put his arm around her. She leaned into him, closing her eyes and savoring his presence.

A horn blaring startled her, and she jerked up.

“Well, hello there,” Rick said.

Confused, Cynthia looked around. The light in the sky looked different. “Did I fall asleep?”

“You did. I’m going to have to say something to Lizzy about her coffee.”

Embarrassment spread heat up her cheeks. “How long was I asleep?”

“Oh, a good hour.” He rested his arm on the table and leaned toward her. “I’m not complaining, Doc. I kind of liked holding you while you slept.”

Energy hummed through her muscles, and she jumped up. “I, uh, need to go check in.” She picked up her phone to check the time and saw a text from Dahlia.

All checked in. You have a digital key on your phone. Have fun.

She held up her phone. “Dahlia checked me in. I have a key.”

“Cynthia, you don’t need to escape.”

She slowly lowered herself back down. Her embarrassment at falling asleep started to fade, and her flight response stilled. “I don’t sleep well anymore,” she said, feeling the need to explain.

Concern etched a frown into his face. He brushed a thumb under her eye. “Still nightmares?”

Tell me, Doctor, how you let my son die.

“Yes.”

“Have you talked to anyone?”

“Just Uncle Nathaniel.” She ran her teeth over her bottom lip.

“I really think you need to speak to a professional counselor.”

The idea of trying to put into words how she felt to make someone understand held no appeal. “I appreciate the thought.” She stood again, slower this time. “I’m going to go to the hotel and freshen up.”

“Sounds good.” He gestured with his chin toward the coffee shop. “Your tail has on a blue T-shirt. He’s been sitting at that little table on the patio staring at his phone for the last hour.”

“He’s probably not the only one.”

“No. There’s a car across the park.”

“As long as it’s not the press.” She put her foot on the bench and leaned toward him. It felt good to stretch her legs like that after sleeping at an odd angle. “How do you feel about my companions?”

Amusement glinted in his eyes. “I feel like they better be ready to do their job if it comes down to it.”

In a bold move, she put a hand on his cheek and leaned closer to him, lightly brushing his lips with hers. “Give me an hour?”

“Sure. I’ll text you my address.”

“I’ll meet you there.” She straightened and brushed her hair away from her face.

He stood. “I’ll walk you to your car.”