Page 79 of Bound By Crimson
Later that night, when the last customer left and the lights dimmed, Lyric stood in the middle of the boutique, arms folded tightly over her chest.
It had been more than she ever dreamed.
But somewhere beneath the glow of success… was an ache.
She missed him.
She locked up, her heels clicking against the sidewalk, Callie giving her a small wave before heading in the opposite direction.
The Bentley waited at the curb. Thomas tipped his head in greeting.
When Lyric reached the penthouse, the elevator doors slid open—and she heard it immediately. Soft music, and humming.Kai.
He was home.
Relief and nerves tangled in her stomach.
She stepped inside and found him standing in the kitchen, still in his dress shirt, sleeves rolled up, a bottle of champagne and two glasses on the counter.
His face lit up when he saw her.
“There she is.”
Lyric dropped her purse, her exhaustion forgotten, and rushed straight into his arms.
He caught her easily, spinning her once before setting her down.
“You did it,” he whispered into her hair. “I’m so damn proud of you, Lyric Dawson.”
She smiled against his chest. “I wish you could have been there.”
“Me too,” he murmured. Then he pulled back slightly, eyes searching hers. “Which is why…”
“I was going to surprise you with a private dinner tomorrow night. Just us. No distractions.”
Lyric’s heart softened. God, she wanted to say yes.
But—
It was only her second day open. She didn’t even know what her schedule looked like yet.
“I’d love that,” she said gently. “But I think I need to get through the week first. I have no idea how busy I’ll be.”
For a beat, she worried he might be disappointed.
But Kai just smiled—that real, crooked smile she loved—and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
“That’s my woman,” he said softly. “I knew from the beginning—you were going to be extraordinary.”
Lyric laughed through the lump in her throat.
“Raincheck?” she whispered.
“Anytime,” he promised.
And then he kissed her like he hadn’t in weeks—long, deep, sure—until the city outside the penthouse windows blurred and the only thing real was the two of them.
Chapter Twenty-Three
