“It’s completely out of the question.”

Adam got up from his chair without a sound.

He came around the wooden table and stood behind my chair, setting both his heavy hands on my shoulders.

He bent down until his chin rested lightly on top of my head.

“I just want us to be safe,” he whispered right into my ear, his coffee breath warm on my neck.

“Every time one of those late notices shows up in the mail, I feel like I’m failing you as a provider.”