Steadying my stance like he actually knocked me off balance.
He leans in, his lips brushing my ear.
“One year, Mrs. Blackwell,” he murmurs.
Just To See Her Stay
Langston
Ishouldn’t have kissed her.
It was impulsive. Reckless. The exact kind of emotional display I’ve spent a lifetime avoiding.
But I’ve wanted to do it since the first time I saw her—carrying a tray of drinks across the floor at Lakeshore Reserve, throwing a wink that hit harder than any boardroom ambush ever could.
And when she looked up at me on those courthouse steps, hair tousled by the wind, lips parted, eyes still sharp even after signing away a piece of her life—I didn’t think.
I justclaimed.
Her mouth was warm and wild under mine. And for one long second, she didn’t pull away.
That was almost worse.
Because the second I feel her give, even slightly, I want more.
Too much more.
I pull back slowly, breathing her in as she blinks up at me like I just broke a rule she didn’t know we’d written.
I straighten my cuffs, dragging myself back into the version of me that wins contracts and never looks back.
“We leave in ninety minutes,” I tell her.
She frowns. “We?”
“Our flight. Chicago.”
She laughs—this quick, disbelieving sound. “I can just fly commercial.”
“You won’t.”
“I’ve flew commercial to get here.”
“And now you’re my wife. You’ll fly with me.”
Her smile tightens, but she doesn’t argue again.
I don’t wait for more commentary. I just gesture toward the car and start walking.
We board the jet fifteen minutes ahead of schedule.
She stalls near the entrance, eyeing the cabin like it’s going to bite her. I don’t comment. I settle into my seat, pull out my laptop, and power up the files I need to review before morning.
“Do you always fly like this?” she asks once we’re in the air.
“Yes.”
“Never flew commercial?” I lift an eyebrow at her ridiculous question.
