Valencia stood as Ty entered the small coffee shop just outside the pack. She greeted him with a soft kiss on the cheek, and he paused for a moment before leaning down to press a tender kiss to her forehead. “Hey, Valen,” he said quietly, his voice carrying a trace of something she couldn’t quite name . . . sorrow, maybe.
He pulled her chair back for her, waiting until she sat before gently pushing it in. “Have you ordered yet?” he asked. She shook her head. “I’ll get us something,” he offered and turned toward the counter. Almost without thinking, Valencia reached out and caught the sleeve of his Sweater. He glanced down, and for a heartbeat, she studied his face, trying to place the shift she felt between them.
“Where have you been?” She asked. It wasn’t the question she truly wanted
