For a moment, rejection stung. Then she understood—this was too important for the back of his truck, for rushed passion under the stars. This needed time, attention, the privacy to rediscover each other properly.
“Take me home,” she said, and they both understood she didn’t mean her trailer.
Duke’s bedroom was sparsely furnished but comfortable—a large bed with dark sheets, a dresser, bedside tables with lamps casting warm, golden light. Valentina stood in the doorway, suddenly shy despite her earlier boldness.
Duke sensed her hesitation. “We don’t have to—”
“I want to.” She stepped closer, reaching for him. “I’m just... it’s been a long time. Since it meant something.”
Understanding softened his features. “For me too.”
That simple admission bridged the distance between them. Valenti
