Page 93 of Baby Surprise for my Brother's Best Friend

Our eyes lock.

Shit.

She starts crossing, determination in her stride.

I square my shoulders and plaster on a grin, intercepting her just before she can reach the sidewalk.

“Wow, how did you know how to find me?” I go for a light tone, arms folded.

She reaches out, brushing her fingers along my jacket. “It’s been a while. We have been trying to reach you.”

Then she leans in, lips parting like she’s about to kiss me.

I pull back with a grin and a shake of my head. “Easy, tiger. I did some intense cardio, and I'm still sore.”

She laughs, but it’s tight. “You haven’t changed.”

“Nope.” I start stepping away. “Still me. Just… busier.”

I flash her a wink, then cross the street without looking back.

That was too close.

Way too close.

***

Later that evening, Sophie's sitting cross-legged on the couch, her laptop balanced on her thighs and her hair in a messy bun. She's wearing her college hoodie and those damn booty shorts that accentuate the curves of her nearly exposed ass. She’s all focus and frown lines, scrolling through merger analytics with laser precision.

I settle behind her, hands finding her shoulders, kneading gently.

“You’re tense.” I work my thumbs along the tight cords in her neck.

“You’d be tense too if investors wanted answers from you yesterday,” she mutters, not looking up.

I press a kiss to the back of her neck. “Want me to distract you?”

She sighs, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Don’t tempt me.”

But something shifts in her posture, softens.

She leans into my touch, eyes fluttering shut. And then her voice comes, quiet but clear.

“Do you miss it?”

I pause. “Miss what?”

“The parties. The girls. The... freedom.”

There’s a beat of silence as I let the question settle.

“I don’t miss the emptiness.”

She turns to face me now, searching my expression. “And this? Us? It’s not empty?”

I lean in, brushing her lips with mine, slow and reverent. “It’s the only thing that’s ever felt full.”

Her breath hitches.

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