Because the truth had changed everything.
Maeve understood now.
Callaway had spent months refusing intimacy because he knew she possessed something he could benefit from.
That did not erase his deception.
But it transformed the shape of it.
He had hidden her wealth while simultaneously protecting it from himself.
It was infuriating.
Complicated.
Very Callaway.
“You don’t need to sleep on the cot because Mercer might come,” she said.
“I’m comfortable.”
“You are a terrible liar.”
“I’m improving.”
“Not enough.”
He looked at the bed.
Maeve waited.
Callaway asked, “Are you asking because you’re frightened?”
“Partly.”
“Then I can sit in the chair.”
Maeve exhaled.
“And partly because I want you beside me.”
His gaze lifted.
There it was again.
That dangerous stillness.
“Maeve.”
“You said the choice had to be mine.”
“Yes.”
“I’m making one.”
Callaway remained where he was.
Maeve softened.
“Sleeping, cowboy.”
He almost smiled.
“Sleeping?”
“For tonight.”
“Understood.”
She lifted the quilt.
“Come here before I reconsider.”
Callaway removed his boots.
Then his gun belt.
Then, awkwardly, as though approaching an altar, he crossed to the bed.
Maeve moved aside.
He lay on top of the blanket at first.
She stared.
“What are you doing?”
“Sleeping.”
“Fully dressed?”
“You said sleeping.”
Maeve laughed.
“I did not say punishment.”
Callaway finally pulled the quilt over himself.
He stayed near the far edge.
Maeve turned on her side.
“You’re going to fall.”
“I won’t.”
“You have half the bed.”
“I’m fine.”
Maeve reached across.
Caught his shirt.
Pulled.
Callaway rolled closer involuntarily.
Their bodies touched.
He froze.
Maeve smiled in the darkness.
“There.”
“Maeve.”
“Yes?”
“You’re dangerous.”
“That is the nicest thing anyone has said to me this week.”
His hand rested carefully at her waist.
“Still all right?”
“Yes.”
“If you want space—”
“I’ll tell you.”
He nodded.
Maeve leaned her head against his shoulder.
Nothing else happened.
Not that night.
But by morning, she woke with his arm around her.
Callaway woke seconds later and tried to move.
Maeve caught his wrist.
“Stay.”
He stopped.
The word mattered.
Both knew it.
Callaway relaxed again.
Maeve closed her eyes.
“Good.”