#Chapter 97 – Cleaning Up

Christian waits for me at the front of the car as I gather myself together and open the door, stepping out. I wince a little as I stand up straight, unsure if the stiffness I feel is the result of sleeping in a car for hours or of the very literal beating I took. Either way, as I shut my door and walk to Christian’s side, I realize that I’m still very exhausted – emotionally and physically. Christian probably senses it - sees it in my slow steps, my hesitant smile - because he reaches out a hand for me as I draw near. I take it, slipping my smaller hand into his, and together we walk up the short three steps to the cottage’s front porch. Christian enters a code on the little beach cottage’s front door – the key pad probably the most modern thing in sight amongst all the weathered wood, the charming craftsman details. But it beeps readily under his touch and Christian turns the knob, pushing the door open and gesturing for me to enter first. I shiver a bit as I walk in – because it’s