She moved to assist him this time, picking up the papers that had scattered further across the room and setting them on his desk. It drew her closer to him as she leaned her hip against the edge of the desk, palm pressed to the top and her head tilted upward to meet his eyes.

He thought of her? Lioriley had hoped, of course, but never would assume unspoken feelings remained after so long; after such dreadful assumptions had been made. "I'm sorry, Cullen." She offered, knowing it was hardly enough. "But you are here now. I am... words cannot express how happy I am to see you. I hope things have been good for you otherwise. As good as they can be."