The Unexpected but Welcome Visit.

He looked up and Clea turned around, overwhelmed with an urge to adjust her hair.

She did that, cleared her throat and turned back to face him. "How?"

He stood up.

"No, sit," said Clea.

When he stood still, she went to him and, softly but steadily, pushed him back onto the bed. "I said sit."

Her hands remained on his chest. She liked how warmth radiated off him. Loved the feel of his heartbeat. "Warm," she said.

"I snuck in."

"I figured out that much."

"Your jacket," he said, and put it on the bed. "About this morning..."

"Oh uh. Uhmm..." Clea scratched her nape. "The sheriff came here and... started going on about how you're a dangerous man—"

"I'm not."

"I know."

She stared down into his eyes and repeated, making sure she got the point across. "I know you're not. I wouldn't be here in this room with you if I thought you were dangerous. I wouldn't have... slept on you."

His eyebrows drew together. "You think I'm a good person?"

"I know you are."

"Why?"

Clea smacked her lips. "