He was glad that she seemed to find some solace in his suggestion and hoped like hell to be right for her sake. It had been one thing to believe she'd been separated only temporarily and had a chance to get back, another to learn there was no possibility. Cashmere had every right to be abrasive under the circumstances. She'd never hear a word of her behavior that night from him.

"However long you want..." he answered softly with a single nod of acknowledgment that held a slight reverence. She didn't need to be alone. He didn't want her to be alone so soon. "...I'll stay." Trip didn't make a big deal of her request, continuing to straighten her room. He'd gladly spend the night on the couch or even the floor.