Hailey tried to relax, even though every nerve in her body was on edge. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Travis, sensing her hesitation, leaned in just slightly.

“I won’t hurt you,” he said quietly, though his tone still carried weight. “But if you push me away... I don’t know what I’ll do.”

That should have scared her, but something in the way he said it, guarded, not threatening, made her feel... conflicted.

He didn’t rush her. For once, his touch was careful, ...