The blue streak. Bold and electric against the muted background. The piece from the museum, the one from the night we met.
I rush back to the living room.
“Kai.” My voice comes out strange. “The painting in your office.”
He sits straighter. “Yes?”
“When did you buy it?”
“That same night.” He watches me. “After you left.”
I press my hand to my sternum. “You bought the life-changing painting?”
His mouth curves. “It lived up to that.”
“Kai, that must have cost?—“
“Every time I see it, I think of that night.” He shifts on the couch. “The way the light caught your hair. The way you focused when you were sketching.”
I don't know what to say. My throat feels tight.
“Come sit with me,” he says softly.
I settle onto the couch beside him. Close but not touching. The city glows through the windows as the sun begins its descent.
“Emma...”
The elevator chimes.
We both jump.
Logan steps out, grocery bags in his arms. “Honey, I'm home! I brought provisions. Figured you two would need actual food, not whatever sad takeout golden boy was planning to order.”
Kai groans. “Your timing is impeccable.”
“I know.” Logan grins, unrepentant. “You're welcome.”
I laugh, the tension breaks. Whatever moment we were about to have will wait.
That's okay. We have time now.
CHAPTER 32
THE NEW REALITY
EMMA
I waketo sunlight streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows. For a moment, I don't know where I am. The bed is too soft. The sheets smell like lavender, not the cheap detergent I buy in bulk.
Then I remember. Kai's penthouse. Day two.
I lie there for a minute, staring at the ceiling. Crown molding. Of course there's crown molding.
My phone says 6:47 AM. Early, but I've never been able to sleep past seven, no matter how comfortable the bed. I pull on yoga pants and a worn university sweatshirt, pad barefoot down the hallway. The carpet is impossibly soft.
Gray morning light fills the living room, the city sprawled below like a map I'm still learning to read. I head for the kitchen. Figuring out the espresso machine yesterday felt like a small victory I'm eager to repeat.
I stop when I see him.
