Seeing that he was about to leave, Loretta worked one arm loose to touch his...

Seeing that he was about to leave, Loretta worked one arm loose to touch his shoulder as he stepped around them. Their eyes locked. Pausing midstride, he touched his hand to her cheek. Once again Loretta felt curiously detached, disoriented. She wanted to lean toward him, to feel the steely warmth of his arms around her, to hear his voice saying all would be well, to feel safe--as only he could make her feel. She wanted those things with such intensity that she ached, and the realization frightened her. What was happening to her?
Hunter saw the glow of fondness in Loretta's eyes, and it was all the gratitude he needed. He left the lodge, standing a little taller than when he had entered.