“Yeah, but I didn’t think I’d actually do it.” Nic shifted a little. “To be honest, I was afraid to see you.”

Abby lifted her head off Nic’s shoulder. “Why afraid?”

“I was afraid I’d see you and want this,” she said with a smile.

“And what’s wrong with this?”

Nic let out a deep breath. “I told you, I don’t have anything to offer you.”

Abby leaned up and met her gaze in the shadows. “And what makes you think I want something?”

“Because you’re not the type of person to have casual sex. You want the relationship, the commitment. You want stability.”

“Yes, I thought I did. Now I’m not so sure. I kinda like this. I told you that when we were in Red River. It’s kinda freeing.”

Nic raised an eyebrow. “So did you sleep with the doctor?”

“Of course not.”

“Why not?”

“First of all, I hardly know her. And secondly, I told you, there was no spark.”

Nic laughed. “See? You don’t do casual sex.”

“I must. I slept with you on the second night.”

The smile left Nic’s face. “I can’t offer you anything, Abby. Emotionally, I mean. So if you want to get together occasionally, like this, then I’m okay with it. But don’t expect anything else.”

Abby tried to read between the lines—tried to read her eyes. She knew Nic believed it when she said she had nothing to offer. And she knew Nic believed that she didn’t want a relationship, didn’t want to be involved with anyone. Emotionally. But if they saw each other, slept together, how did Nic propose to not become involved? And what about her? Did she really want to do this? Hadn’t she said that this wasn’t her? Wasn’t Nic right? She wanted the relationship, the commitment. She didn’t want someone she only had sex with and nothing else.

But she liked Nic. She was attracted to her. And as she’d told Sharon, she fell a little bit in love with her. If they did this, would she get in over her head? Would she end up with a broken heart?

None of that mattered, she realized. Nic could say what she wanted, what she thought, but when they made love—and yes, it was making love, it wasn’t just sex—the look in Nic’s eyes said something completely different. Nic was lonely, yes. So was she. But Nic was also attracted to her, and if she had to guess, Nic was falling a little bit in love too. And she imagined Nic was plenty scared by that feeling.

She leaned closer and kissed Nic gently, quietly. When she pulled away, Nic’s eyes were closed, and Abby smiled.

“I accept.”

Nic’s eyes opened. “No counteroffer?”

“Nope. On your terms.” She lay back down. “On one condition.”

“What’s that?”