The Lair

by Lisina Coney

thought you’d already left.” He shakes his head. “I can stay a few days.” Days. “I’d like to spend them with you, if you want.” Is this real? Is he real? “I know you need time and space. I don’t want to be overbearing. But I’d like to see you every day, just for a couple hours, and do stuff together. Just the two of us. If you want. I can leave for Maine right now if you’d rather⁠—” “Don’t leave,”

“Please don’t.” Those massive shoulders visibly relax. “I won’t. Not unless you ask me to.” “I won’t ever ask you to leave.”

want to, if you’re free.” I waste no time nodding. “I’ll wait in the car outside,” he tells me, suddenly sounding a little shy. “Take as much time as you need. I’m in no rush.”