Page 76 of Moonshot

Retrieving my phone from my lab coat pocket, it appears Michael’s telepathy has kicked in. He must have felt me thinking about him.

Michael York

9:10 a.m.

Mick: Hi, pretty girl. I miss you already.

This guy.

“Well, I know who that’s from.” Joanie laughs.

Smiling back at her in confirmation, I look back down at my cell. Before I can reply, a new text pops onto the screen.

Michael York

9:12 a.m.

Mick: I found us a house.

What?Oh, lord. I think we’re going to have to have a long talk when I get home.

9:15 a.m.

Ava: Hey. First day back with the new boss. Can we talk later? It’s going to be a busy day.

Michael York

9:19 a.m.

Mick: Of course. I’ll see you tonight.

* * *

Arriving home, I find the first day back at work has exhausted me. It’s different than the tension brought on by working with Dr. Stark day in and day out. This just feels like I’m getting used to spending a full day back on my feet after being hospitalized. That infection really did a number on me.

I’m barely in the door twenty minutes when I hear a knock. As the door swings open, I see my handsome man standing there with another bouquet of gorgeous flowers with the identifiable Cygnature Blooms logo hanging from the ribbon.

“Mick, you didn’t have to get me these.”

“I wanted to.” He leans in to kiss me on the corner of my mouth. “There’s my girl.” Tilting in again, he now kisses the other corner of my mouth. “I’ve missed you today.” He places a chaste kiss on my lips before standing straight with a loving smile. “It’s a special day. After the way you looked in the hospital that day, there was a part of me that worried you might never be well enough to return to work.” The dramatic shift on his striking face from smiling to somber takes my breath away. I never considered how difficult this was for him. How awful it had to have been for him in those early moments.

Stepping out onto the porch, I wrap my arms around his neck and bury my face in his chest. “I’m so sorry, Mick. I didn’t realize how hard that must’ve been for you.”

“I was scared, Av,” he practically whispers.

Reaching for his dark curls, I run my fingers through his hair and look deep into his eyes. “I love you. Thank you for taking such good care of me. Do you want to come in?”

“Yes.”

As Mick enters the space and drops his keys on the kitchen island, I come over and take his hand, pulling him toward the couch.

“Come, sit. We need to talk.” As I plop comfortably into the corner of the couch, I notice Mick remains standing, still holding onto my outstretched arm.

“I don’t like the way this sounds, Ava.”

“Mick, it’s not bad. I just need to clear the air. What’s up with the ‘I found us a house’ text?”

“Oh, that. After we talked this past weekend, I went online and was shocked to find the perfect house with a yard.”

---