"There's my wildflower," he said, crossing to press a kiss to my cheek. "How was your afternoon?"
"Productive," I replied, breathing in the clean scent of his soap. "Julian taught me about hostile takeovers over lunch."
"Romantic," Christopher said dryly, shooting Julian an amused look. "Nothing says courtship like corporate warfare."
Julian shrugged, unrepentant. "She asked intelligent questions. I gave intelligent answers."
"I found it fascinating," I said, defending him with a smile. "Though I have to admit, some of the terminology went over my head."
Christopher chuckled, opening the refrigerator to pull out a bottle of water. "Just wait until he starts explaining derivatives and hedge funds. Your eyes will glaze over completely."
"My eyes did not glaze over," I protested, though I was fighting back laughter. "I was very attentive."
"She was," Julian confirmed, his voice carrying a note of pride. "Asked better questions than most of my board members."
The compliment made warmth bloom in my chest. It was such a simple thing, but having Julian value my intellect meant more than I could express.
"Where's Miles?" I asked, not having seen him today.
"Out in the garden," Christopher replied, taking a long drink of water. "He mentioned something about checking on the herbs before dinner. I think he's planning to make that pesto sauce you liked last week."
I smiled at the thought. Miles's garden was becoming one of my favorite places—a sanctuary of green life and quiet purpose that reflected his gentle nature perfectly.
"Speaking of dinner," Julian said, glancing at his watch, "I should go change. I have some emails to send before we eat."
"Always working," Christopher teased, though his tone held no judgment. "Don't be too long. Miles said he wanted to cook…so dinner would be ready by seven."
Julian nodded, pressing a quick kiss to my temple before heading upstairs. Once he was gone, Christopher turned to me with a knowing smile.
"So," he said, voice dropping slightly, "how are you feeling today? After last night?"
His question made heat rise to my cheeks, but I didn't look away. There was something about Christopher that made honesty feel natural, even when discussing intimacies that would have mortified me weeks ago.
"I feel... wonderful," I admitted softly. "A little sore, but in the best possible way."
Christopher's eyes darkened slightly, though his smile remained gentle. "Good. I was worried I might have been too... enthusiastic." He stepped closer, his hand coming up to brush a strand of hair from my face. "You were incredible, by the way. In case I didn't make that clear."
"You made it very clear," I laughed, leaning into his touch. "Several times, if I recall correctly."
His thumb brushed along my cheekbone, eyes scanning my face with tender assessment. "Are you looking forward to tomorrow with Nicolaus?"
"I am," I smiled as I leaned into his touch, “I take it you know what he has planned for me as well.”
Christopher chuckled, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “I do. But don’t bother asking me for hints—I’ve been sworn to secrecy under pain of death. Or worse, one of Nicolaus’s disappointed silences.”
I laughed softly, letting the moment settle between us. “He’s sharing something really important to him, isn’t he?”
Christopher nodded, his thumb brushing over my cheekbone. “Swimming centers him. It’s not just a sport for him. For him to invite you into that space?” He gave me a gentle smile. “That’s him opening a door not many people get to see behind.”
Warmth bloomed in my chest again—gentler this time, but just as deep. “I’ll treat it with the respect it deserves.”
“I know you will.” He dipped forward and kissed me sweetly, just once, his lips lingering before he pulled back. “He’s been a little wound up lately. I think spending that time with you will do him good.”
I nodded, threading my fingers through his. “I hope it does. I want to give something back. All of you… you’ve given me so much.”
“You give back just by being here,” Christopher murmured, his voice a low rasp. “You have no idea how much brighter this house feels since you arrived.” Before I could respond, the back door opened, and a breeze fluttered through the kitchen as Miles stepped in, his shirt damp with sweat and his arms full of freshly picked basil and rosemary. The scent of sun-warmed herbs filled the air immediately.
“There you are,” he said, his grin blooming when he saw me. “I was starting to wonder if Julian had locked you in his office.”
