Sunlight slanted into the room, a rectangle of light right over his eyes. His brow was scrunched, and she realized the light was bothering him. She brought her hand out from under the comforter, holding it out over his head to block the sunlight. His face relaxed, and she smiled to herself.
After a few minutes, the muscles in her arm strained, but he was sleeping so peacefully.
She could hold her hand up a little longer.
He must have sensed she was awake. His eyes slowly blinked open, and he furrowed his brows, noticing her handheld above his head. But then he realized she was blocking the light, and his eyes softened.
“Good morning,” he said, voice rough with sleep. He reached up and held her hand, kissing her wrist. He slid toward her, pulling her against him as he buried his nose against her neck, wrapping his arms around her.
“Good morning,” she replied, turning until he was half on top of her, a heavy weight.
Neither of them had dressed again after last night, and it wasn’t long until her skin grew hot from the feel of his. He lifted himself up, looking into her eyes, and she smiled, reaching for his face, pulling his mouth over hers.
He kissed her, body slotting over hers, and they slept together again, this time in the bright morning. Devastating pleasure spread through her, and after, she held onto him, beaming with love.
“We have to get to work, eventually,” she said lazily, lying on her stomach. He traced circles on her bare back, sighing.
“Eventually,” he agreed with a smile. He leaned over and kissed her temple. Her limbs felt as though they were made of liquid; she could hardly move, she felt so relaxed and sated. They lingered for as long as they could, until it really was time to get ready.
He made eggs and she made coffee, and they ate breakfast together in her quiet home. She felt utterly at peace.
Then, it was time to get to work, and he headed for the door first; he had to stop by his place to change into a fresh set of clothes. She walked him to the door, kissing him goodbye.
“I’ll see you later?” he asked. She nodded. He kissed her cheek, then headed out.
Even after he had gone, she stood there for a minute, watching the shut door, the place he had been. She pressed a hand against her heart, taking in a shuddering breath.
She loved him. She loved him so much.
All day, that fact remained with her, unavoidable, unignorable. She had never felt this way about anyone before—she had never loved someone so deeply, as if he had taken root in her heart and spread through every one of her veins.
And with that love came a dilemma.
By the end of the work day, Emmeline knew what she had to do.
She headed for Main Street, then called Anh, asking if they could meet. “There’s something I’d like to discuss with you,” she said, walking down the street. Motu flew beside her. The sky was darkening with evening, turning a deep shade of navy blue. Cold wind pushed against her cheeks.
“Darling, we have our meeting in a few days,” Anh replied into the phone. “Can we discuss it then?”
“I’d really prefer it if we discussed it now,” Emmeline said, fiddling with the end of her hair. Motu gave her a curious glance, picking up on her unsettled energy. She gave the baby dragon a tight smile. “I’m on Main Street; I can meet you wherever you are.”
Anh released a short breath. “Alright—I was going to pick up a coffee from the Baby Dragon. I can give you five minutes.”
“That’s all I need,” Emmeline replied.
She made her way over to the Baby Dragon Cafe, arriving a few minutes before Anh came in through the front door.Anh looked immaculate as usual, dressed in a tweed coat and skirt, though her expression was one of confusion.
Emmeline met her by the front of the cafe, where Anh kissed her hello, then petted Motu’s scales. “What will you have?” Emmeline asked. “I’ll order for you.”
“Just an espresso shot, please,” Anh replied. Emmeline nodded, going to order while Anh sat down with Motu. She didn’t order anything for herself, too anxious to drink caffeine at the moment. She had a carefully laid-out plan in her mind; now, things just needed to go accordingly.
When Anh’s order was ready, Emmeline brought it over, setting it down on the table before sitting across from Anh. Motu sat by Emmeline’s feet, and the weight of him was a solid comfort.
In a quick movement, Anh downed the shot, then looked at Emmeline curiously. “Well?” she prompted, waiting.
Heart beating fast, Emmeline took a deep breath. “I want you to give the investment to Luke,” she said. Anh’s brows wrinkled.
“Pardon me?” she asked, as if she hadn’t heard Emmeline properly.
