“Thank you, Amaal.” She leaned forward so she could kiss him, but gently on the cheek. Another kiss like the one they’d just shared would be a bit too dangerous. “And I think I really will go to sleep now.” She didn’t add, Alone, but he seemed to understand.
“Of course. We should all get some rest. I will let Sasha out before I retire — the snow doesn’t bother me, and she might need to go.”
This prosaic reminder made Deirdre look around for the dog she’d rescued earlier that day. Yes, there was Sasha, curled up off to one side, out of the way but still close enough to enjoy the warmth emanating from the hearth.
“That sounds like a good idea.” Deirdre got up from the couch, said, “Good night,” and went down the hall toward her room and shut the door behind her.
Whether she’d actually be
