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If it was up to him, he’d take one photo and claim it was perfect. But after the first time I told him to take extra, he’s always remembered to do it.

When he returns to my side, I take the phone from him. “We need more pictures of both of us. Right now, most of them are just of me.”

“That’s because you’re beautiful,” he retorts. “Why would I want a bunch of pictures on the bookshelf of me?”

After I take a series of selfies, I hand the phone back. “Because you’re the most handsome man in the world. And I like seeingyourphotos on the shelf.”

The shelf in question is the one in Erik’s apartment, one he installed a couple of weeks ago to display our photos. At first, it was just a couple of me—gardening, holding a warrior pose, mixing cookie batter in the kitchen—but at least ten more have been added since then.

It’s just one of the things he’s added to his place to make me feel more comfortable whenever I’m there. Like throw pillows on his previously austere couch and new Egyptian cotton towelsto replace his old, basic ones. And a Kitchen-Aid mixer that mysteriously appeared in his kitchen last week in a pretty shade of pink, since, as Erik explained, “I know you’ve been talking about how good they are. So I just thought you might like one.”

Technically, I’m still living in the client apartment. But as time goes on, I’ve been spending more and more time at Erik’s, instead. And I like it.

Strike that. I love it.

And if I’m honest with myself, I don’t want to leave.

I know the time is coming to make a decision. No one has said anything yet, but with the game over, there’s no reason for me to be at Blade and Arrow for protection.

Which means I really should leave the client apartment, so they have room to help someone new. One of the many people who contact Blade and Arrow every week, desperate for help. Maybe a woman in danger, just like I was.

But that raises the inevitable question—where do I go next?

Do I go back to Tupper Lake, to the job Blade and Arrow managed to keep open for me despite my lengthy absence? Try to find a way to live apart from Erik after falling in love with him? After he’s become my everything?

Do I move to Texas and try to find an apartment in San Antonio or Seguin?

Or do I ask for what I really want, in my heart of hearts, which is to move in with Erik?

My stomach flutters at the thought.

Part of me wants to come right out and ask. But the other, insecure part wonders if it’s still far too soon. If Erik would feel pressured to say yes rather than hurt my feelings, and it might end up ruining things between us.

But. What if I ask and it’s the same thing he wants?

Just as we reach the boulders, Erik stops me again. He turns me so I’m facing him and brushes a loose strand of hair behindmy ear. His brows pull together as he looks at me. “Tate.” His voice is low. Gentle. “Are you sure you’re okay? I know you think I’m being overprotective. I am. I know it. But it’s not because I don’t think you’re strong. It’s because…”

He takes a breath. “It’s because sometimes I think you work too hard to prove it. Like you think I’ll be disappointed if you aren’t strong all the time. But I promise you, I won’t be. You know I have my moments when things get to be too much. My nightmares. The PTSD. If you’re struggling, I want to know so I can help.”

Oh.

I think my heart just melted again.

“It’s not that,” I reply. “Although, you’re not wrong about the trying to be strong part. I guess… I see how you are, your team, the women they’re with, and I want to be just as strong.”

“You are.” It’s immediate. Fierce.

I take Erik’s hand, lacing my fingers between his. My stomach jitters again.

Do I ask?

Drawing in a deep breath, I let it out slowly. “I guess… I was thinking about what comes next.”

“What comes next?” Confusion clouds his gaze. “You mean after the hike?”

A beat later, understanding dawns. “Oh. You’re not talking about the hike. You’re talking about now that the case is basically closed.”

“Yes. I mean… I have to think about it. You guys must need the apartment for someone else soon. A new pro-bono client. I know you get so many requests, and here I am, using the space when it could go to someone else.”