e. He hadn't spoken a single word during the ascent, but the rigid tension corded in his broad back was a clear signal of the chaotic storm brewing within him.

l contact was suddenly too much to bear. He paced a few steps

room. She was surrounded by the phy

eyes were intense, burning with a m

room. "Do you have any idea what that town is like? There is soot in the air. Th

a finger at

rust-belt isn't a stage. It's a brutal, unforgiving reality. Can you maintain this act for a week? A

ed hands. She acknowledged the physical tr

e cast a heavy shadow over her. His voice

. "Stay in DC. I will send you what

his self-sacrifice. He was willing to let her take everyth

tense gaze. She used her sign

rotect a pregnant woman in a town full

old logic of her statement hi

o him. She invaded his personal space

, "the DC vultures will tear me and the baby apart for sport. I fear the cru

essness of their former political allies b

s lightly grasped the rough, green

t her voice tremble slightly, manufactu

ed from you," Josie whispered. "

e confession. His rigid posture stiffene

his shirt. The physical contact burned str

old exterior. "I won't hav

s shirt tightened slightly. She refu

lared. "I just need to know you w

re wide and trusting. She

to protect

hattered the last, stubborn remn

hesitated for a fraction of a second before gen

her knuckles. It was a silent, p

combative air dissolved, replaced by something