“Good. So, about that food,” Julian says, his hands coming to the bottom of my shirt.
“I can make a salad? Grill some salmon?” I suggest, winking.
Julian pouts. “Fine. Real food, then.” He walks back over to the couch, and I can’t help but smile as I think of how to phrase what I’m about to say.
Because he deserves some reassurance, too.
“And, Julian?”
He turns to face me. “Yeah?”
“I’m not going anywhere either. I want this. I’m sorry I walked away, but I promise not to do it again.”
Julian’s expression softens. “I know. But thanks for saying it out loud.”
Turning back around, I grab the fresh salmon filets and quickly throw together a salad and some rice. Julian lounges on the couch, Willy curled up like some smug little prince in his lap. He’s flipping absently through channels, but his eyes flick toward the front door every few seconds, like he’s waiting for something.
Or someone.
I focus on slicing salmon, but my ears are tuned to the quiet hum of the room, the undercurrent of something that feels heavier than the sound of the TV.
Then Julian’s phone buzzes on the armrest, and he lifts it lazily. A grin spreads across his face.
“She just texted,” he says, stretching his legs out. “She claims she’s a few blocks away, stuck at a light.”
I glance over from the stove, flipping the fish with practiced ease. “Really? That was fast.”
Julian’s grin sharpens, eyes dancing. “Yeah, well. Did youseethe video?” He smirks. “What did you expect? You basically summoned her with that.”
I huff out a soft laugh, shaking my head, but the truth is, I’m watching the door, too.
My heart’s been rattling around my chest ever since Julian hit send.
I don’t realize I’ve been holding my breath until the front door bursts open like she’s kicking it down.
Julian barely has time to sit up straight.
“Jesus Christ, woman,” he calls out, laughing. “I said you wereleaving,not barreling down the motorway mowing people over.”
Sophie stands in the doorway, flushed and wide-eyed, chest heaving like she ran the last block.
“What did youexpect,” she snaps, breathless, “sending me a videothat filthy?”
Her eyes lock on me across the room, and something in her face crumples.
“Hi, little dove,” I manage, but my voice feels thick.
Shesobs.Actually sobs, her hands flying to her mouth for half a second before she’s across the room in five strides, launching herself at me like she’s trying to crawl inside my ribs.
I barely manage to catch her, salmon forgotten on the stove as her arms clamp around my neck. Her legs wrap around my waist, and shecrushesher lips to mine.
It’s not soft.
But it’severything.
Julian whistles low from the couch. “You’re lucky Ilikewatching, or I’d be insulted.”
Sophie breaks away long enough to glare at him over her shoulder. “Youstarted without me.”
