جميع فصول : الفصل

I never expected to see Shane again like that.That evening, Elliot drove me home.We said goodbye outside my building, and he gently smoothed back the strands of hair the wind had blown across my face.“Get some rest. Good night.”He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to my forehead.I smiled, waved goodbye, and turned toward the entrance.That was when I saw Shane standing a short distance away.I had no idea how long he had been there.He had lost a lot of weight, and months spent working outdoors had left him deeply tanned.Dark stubble covered his jaw, and the shadows beneath his sunken eyes made him look exhausted.Elliot noticed him too.Without making a scene, he stepped in front of me, shielding me with his body.“Can I help you?”Shane looked past him, his eyes fixed on me.“Xena.“I’m back.”I stepped out from behind Elliot and met his gaze calmly.“Mr. Ford. It’s been a while.”The formal address hit him hard.He swayed slightly, and all the color draine