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“Would you feel safer if I stayed tonight?” “I don’t know.” “Yeah, you do. Everything else aside, would you feel safer?” He tapped his cheek to ask her to look him in the eye and answer. “Up here, honey.” She did look up into those expectant blue eyes. Yes. In every way that mattered, she felt safe with Max. Rosemary nodded. “Say it, Rosie. Don’t make me think I’m bullying you into this.” “I’m not inviting you into my bed. But you are awfully warm, and I can’t seem to shake this chill and...” She hugged her arms around her waist but bravely held his gaze. “I don’t want to be alone tonight. Would you stay with me?” The taut line of his mouth relaxed. “I like a clear set of rules, too. So no hanky-panky, but you wouldn’t be adverse to a little cuddling? You know, so I can keep an eye on you and you could borrow some body heat?” “That would be enough for you?” He brushed a copper tendril off her cheek and tucked it behind her ear. “That would be perfect.” Rosemary smiled. “Then I can live with those rules, too.” — Julie Miller