Home. The word echoes in my chest, filling empty spaces I didn't even know existed. And as Ethan launches into another round of questions about Cole's daughter, I find myself grinning like an idiot, already addicted to this feeling of belonging.
The air wraps around us like a warm blanket as we leave Six-Pack, carrying the lingering heat of the day. The city feels alive, humming with that particular energy that comes with summer nights in Boston. Isabella's fingers are intertwined with mine, and every few steps, she glances up at me with that knowing smile that makes my heart skip.
"Admit it," she says, bumping her hip against mine. "You had fun."
"I did." The words come easily, surprising even me. "Your friends are... something else."
She laughs, the sound floating on the humid breeze. "You looked terrified when Alisha started her interrogation."
"Please. I've faced down corporate raiders and hostile takeovers." I pull her closer, pressing a kiss to her temple, tasting the salt of the summer night on her skin. "Though I have to admit, Alisha might give some of them a run for their money."
"Mm, my fierce protector." Isabella's tone is teasing, but there's warmth beneath it. "Good thing you passed the test."
"There was a test?"
"Oh, Sainty." She pats my chest consolingly. "There's always a test."
We walk in comfortable silence for a few blocks, the city's nightlife humming around us. Ethan had taken off, claiming he needed his beauty sleep, but I suspect he just wanted to give us space. For once, I'm grateful for his perceptiveness.
"Your place?" I ask as we approach the familiar intersection.
Isabella's eyes sparkle with something I can't quite read. "Unless you're too tired..."
"Never too tired for you, Red." My hands find her hips, pulling her against me. "Besides, I believe we have some unfinished business from the dancefloor."
"Mm, that we do." She rises on her toes, brushing her lips against mine. "But first, I have a surprise for you."
That gets my attention. "A surprise?"
"Don't look so suspicious." She laughs, tugging me toward her building. "I promise it's a good one."
I narrow my eyes at her, but she just grins. "Come on, Saint. Trust me."
And damn if I don't. Despite everything, my ingrained suspicion of surprises, the weight of family expectations, the looming confrontation with my father, I trust her completely.
"Always, Red." I squeeze her hand. "Lead the way."
Her answering smile is brighter than all the city lights combined, and I find myself grinning like an idiot. Whatever she's planned, whatever comes next, I know one thing for certain: tonight has been perfect, and I'm not ready for it to end.
Being with her feels like coming home, like being seen, wanted, loved in ways I'd forgotten existed.
"What are you thinking?" Isabella murmurs, pressing herself against my side.
I drop a kiss on her head, breathing in the familiar scent of her shampoo. "That I'm happy."
Isabella's eyes dance with excitement. "Good. Because the night's not over yet, Sainty. Not even close."
23
Bella
My heart hammers against my ribs as we reach my floor. This is it. Don't chicken out now, Jenkins.
"We need to go to the roof." I try to keep my voice casual as I bypass my apartment door, but inside I'm practically vibrating with nervous energy.
Ares's eyebrows shoot up. "The roof?" His lips twitch. "Red, if this is your way of telling me you're going to push me off—"
"Please." I roll my eyes, grabbing his hand and tugging him toward the fire escape door. "If I wanted to kill you, I wouldn't waste such a beautiful night."
