"I need to go," he said, but didn't turn away.

"Me too," she murmured. Then she grabbed the back of his head and kissed him like she hadn't kissed anyone in a long time. His lips met hers with equal passion, and he lifted her off the ground. With her, he could hear the howl of his four-footed brethren far off in the woods. She could feel his heart pumping blood through every corner of his body.

He dropped her and she stumbled backward. "No," he whispered. "I can't --" He turned and walked away.

Sadie couldn't watch him leave, so she turned and got into her truck. She bashed...