Page 39 of Only Ever Mine

When he finally pulled back, his lips were inches from mine, his voice low and rough.

"Sure," he murmured. "No problem."

A laugh caught in my throat, but it died the moment he kissed me again.

This time, it was slower.

The hum of the jet engines had faded into the background hours ago, but the warmth of Christian’s presence beside me lingered.

Our weekend at the lake had felt like something out of a dream—one I wasn’t ready to wake up from.

But as the city skyline came into view through the plane’s window, reality pressed in.

I stole a glance at Christian, who was reclined in his seat, scrolling through his phone.

His tie was loose, the top button of his crisp white shirt undone, and for a moment, I let myself get lost in the sight of him.

Relaxed. Effortlessly confident.

He must’ve felt my stare because he looked up, catching me in the act. A slow smirk curved his lips.

“Miss me already?”

I scoffed, rolling my eyes even as warmth crept up my neck. “You wish.”

He chuckled, reaching for my hand and bringing it to his lips. The simple gesture sent a ripple of heat through me.

Maybe I would miss him.

As the plane touched down, my phone buzzed.

A string of work emails, a missed call from my sous-chef, another from my supplier. The real world was waiting.

We disembarked in silence, his driver already waiting for us. He insisted on taking me home, and I let him.

The drive was quiet, comfortable, the city lights flickering past the tinted windows.

When we arrived at my building, Christian stepped out with me, walking me to the door of my apartment.

“I had a great time,” I admitted, biting my lip.

His eyes softened, fingers brushing my jaw. “Me too.”

I hesitated, part of me wanting to invite him in.

But then he kissed me, slow and lingering, and I knew if I let him through the door, I’d never let him leave.

“I’ll call you tomorrow,” he promised, pulling back just enough to meet my gaze.

I nodded, suddenly unable to find words.

With one last look, he turned and left, disappearing into the waiting car.

I let out a breath, stepping inside my apartment. The silence was almost jarring after the weekend we’d spent together.

I leaned against the door, pressing my fingers to my lips, savoring the ghost of his kiss.

I could take my time unpacking, maybe take a long bath, and ease back into normal life?—

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