Oh, God. Dani felt a blush light her face, and she was glad it was too dark for Harper to see. She was embarrassed, yes, but she was also a little frightened. Frightened by the noise that had awoken her so suddenly…and frightened by the attraction she felt to Harper. She decided to focus on the former rather than the latter.

“Do you think the noise was from one of our neighbors?”

“Probably not.”

“So that noise could have been…it could have been him, right?”

“Maybe. Are you worried that it was?”

“I don’t know,” she said quietly. “I just…”

“Are you scared?”

“Yes.”

“I think we’re okay here, Dani. We’ve got detectives on each side of us. The officer at the desk—if he’s not watching TV—is supposed to be monitoring the parking lot. I think it’s covered.”

“I guess so.” She could feel her thundering heartbeat, and she wondered if it was still the fear of the stalker that had it beating so. There was a chill in the room, but she could feel the warmth from Harper’s body. She longed to know what it would feel like to be held by her. Despite the warnings dancing through her mind, she moved closer to her, the whispered words out before she could stop them.

“Would you hold me?” She could sense Harper hesitating, and she mentally slapped herself. “I’m…never mind,” she murmured, although she couldn’t bring herself to move away from Harper.

“No…I’m sorry, Dani. I…”

Dani stared at the ceiling. “You’re still in love with her, aren’t you?” She heard Harper take a deep breath.

“I probably always will be.”

Dani nodded in the darkness. “I’m so sorry, Harper. I didn’t mean to make you feel…well, uncomfortable.”

“I know. You’re scared.”

“Yes, I’m scared.” She bit her lower lip. “I’m scared of my stalker, and I’m…scared of…well, it’s been so long since I’ve had physical contact with anyone,” she admitted. “It’s been a rather lonely life, to say the least.” She turned to glance at Harper, deciding to be honest with her. “It’s probably best that you don’t hold me. I’m already attracted to you. You should probably keep your distance.”

“Oh, Dani,” Harper whispered. “I don’t have anything to offer you. Inside…I’m just, I’m just empty still. You don’t need that kind of a complication in your life.”