Jian smiled. "You still make tea that way?"
He nodded at the limp little mesh bags sitting on the counter.
I grinned back. "With bags? Hell yeah, I do. Not everyone has the patience to make fancy loose leaf tea like you."
"It doesn't require any more patience. Only a strainer."
"The bag does that for me. See? It's the smart way."
Jian let out a small, pleasant laugh. My heart ached. I'd missed that sound so dearly. Hearing it again was bittersweet, almost painful.
I coughed to clear the thumping sensation in my chest. "Well, anyway, if you don't like tea bags, I can make something else. Coffee?"
He raised a brow, amused. "Instant, I presume?"
"Of course. I'm a man of culture," I teased.
"Let me guess. If I open the fridge, I'll find plenty of take-out and ready-made food as well?"
"And what's wrong with that?"
"Nothing," Jian said in the way that made it clear therewassomething wrong, but he was too polite to say anything.
I snorted. "Hey, I wasn't exactly expecting company tonight. If I'd known you were coming, I'd be a better host."
Jian placed his hand over mine. "I'm only kidding. I love everything you make with these hands. I'm sure the tea will be delightful."
His touch sent an electric current up my arm. It shimmied down my spine, warming up my whole body. My cheeks felt hot.
Jian pulled his hand back. It was a casual, quick gesture, yet the touch lingered like he'd been there for an eternity.
Either that or I was losing my mind. Maybe I did have a concussion after all.
The tea kettle clicked, indicating it was finished. I was grateful for the distraction.
"What kind of tea is this?" Jian asked, picking up one of the bags. He gave it a light sniff. "Herbal?"
"Yeah. But I have other kinds, too." I suddenly felt embarrassed. "Do you not like herbal tea? I could've sworn you did when we were younger."
"No, you're right, I do," Jian said with a smile. "It's been a long time since I've had it. I usually drink green or black tea at home. The scent of the herbal tea made me nostalgic, in a way, so I was surprised." He met my gaze. "It reminds me of you, you know? Since I only had it when we were together."
I blushed. "Oh."
My mind got stuck on the wordtogether, but I knew that wasn't what he meant. He meant physically together, hanging out at my house, not in a relationship way. But that didn't stop my heart from racing stupidly fast.
My dumbass mouth was hanging open. I shut it.
"So herbal's good?" I asked, trying to keep my voice from raising an octave.
Jian looked amused. "Herbal is perfect."
I poured the hot water over his mug and did the same for mine. The warm scent of chamomile, blackberry and rosebuds floated in the air. Then we took our tea back to the comfort of the couch.
Jian took a sip, closing his eyes as he did so. His black eyelashes touched his cheeks. While he wasn't watching me, I seized the opportunity to look at him.Reallylook at him.
His hair had gotten much longer. It was folded back neatly in a straight, black ponytail. His shoulders were broader, his frame more muscular, and his jaw stronger.
But aside from filling out and maturing, he looked the same as he did a decade ago. He had the same kind face and gentle features.
