Chapter 308

CARSON LAY ON THE sofa, boneless and spent. The stress was still there, but it was periphery. She could breathe, think and feel. That last one she wasn't ready for.

She snuggled down deeper into the pillow that still smelled of Ryan.

What was she going to do about them? What was going to happen after they got her family back and their lives returned to normal?

He plopped down on the sofa next to her and slid his hand down her side in the same mindless fashion she'd grown accustomed to.

"The guys were never coming in here, were they?" She glared up at him with one eye.

"Nope." He grinned back.

"You think you're so cute."

"I am."

"And so modest."

"You know it."

"Lord." She rolled her eyes and used the pillow to smother her laugh.

He stroked her arm, the tender touches wearing away at her fragile shields, stirring warmth deep in her chest.

She cared for him and she didn't know what to do with that knowledge.

"You're more relaxed. Hungry?" He gestured at her food.