That part of our arrangement works perfectly.
As for the rest…well neither of us could deny how well everything else between usworks.
Standing here now, in his house, with the memory of his hands still on my skin, the heat of his kiss on my lips, and that look in his eyes…
I can see it.
And it’s not a far-off fantasy. But something that could actually work. And work really well.
For the first time in a long time, I feel settled, like I belong somewhere. Like I belonghere.Withhim.
I finish getting dressed, tugging my leggings up and tying my hair into a long ponytail before stepping out into the hall.
The warm, rich smell of coffee pulls me toward the kitchen. Of course, he’s already up. Ever since that first morning, when I’d woken hours before him, he’d made a point to join me in my early mornings.
A small smile tugs at my lips, the weight that’s been sitting on my shoulders for days, finally gone.
Luke’s at the counter, his back to me, one hand braced on the surface as he pours himself a cup.
For a second, I just watch him.
The broad line of his shoulders, thequiet strength with which he holds himself. I breathe in, my chest swelling with an entirely new feeling.
Affection?
No…it’s love. Without a doubt.
There’s probably a million reasons why that should feel wrong, but it doesn’t. It feels absolutely perfect.
I cross the room. “Good morning,” I murmur, sliding my arms around his waist, pressing myself lightly against his back. “I missed you this morning.”
For a heartbeat, he goes still.
Then, I feel him suck in a breath and pull away.
It’s not sharp. But it’s not gentle, either.
The space he leaves between us feels cold, but not as cold as the look on his face when he finally turns to face me.
I blink, my mind racing to catch up to whatever is happening here.
My arms fall to my sides as he steps backward, out of reach, clearing his throat, as if he needs a minute.
“Morning,” he says, his voice flat.
Emotionless.
Like everything that happened between us doesn’t matter. Like everything I just convinced myself of doesn’t exist.
And just like that, the warmth in my chest freezes to ice.
Luke
The second she wraps her arms around me, everything in me locks up.
For a split second, I almost lean into it. I almost let myself have it. Haveher.
Lord knows I want her.
