By the time I get back to the room, I see the downside to Hana’s advice because I’m brimming with satisfying one-liners I wish I could go back to hurl at Kit. Jihoon hasn’t come out of the shower, and I pace the room before deciding not to tell him. I’m sure he’s had to deal with Mr. Interference on his own and that the message he received was similar.
The shower turns off as Yuko calls from Luxe. “I know it’s Saturday, but are you busy?”
“Yes.” This is not the proper professional response, so I try again. “I mean, what’s going on?”
“Ines needs you in Niagara. We’ve been trying to land the HotelXanadu as a client. She set up a last-minute wine tour for some of their important guests, but life sucks, so there might be some issues. She’d like you on hand in case of emergencies.”
I glance over my shoulder at the mussed-up bed. “It’s not the best time.” Also not professional, but this time it’s worth it.
“Ari, I’m sorry. This is a big deal for us, and we can’t risk a screwup. If you can’t go, can you suggest a colleague who can?”
That’s not going to happen; I can’t let Yesterly and Havings think I can’t handle my workload, and there’s no one I trust. “I can leave in a few minutes.” Thank God Alex had someone drive my car over from my apartment.
“I’ll send you the location and tell her you’ll be there.” Yuko hangs up.
I check around the room for my laptop, which I tuck into my bag. I’m ready to leave by the time Jihoon emerges from his shower.
He looks me over. “What happened?”
“I need to go to work.”
“Now?” His face falls.
“I’m afraid so.” I try to not feel guilty—this is work, after all, and he’s about to leave for the same reason. “It’s an emergency.”
“Can you go after lunch?”
I shake my head, thankful to have an excuse to miss lunch with Kit. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be too late.”
“Then I’ll give this to you now.” He hands me a little red box withCartierwritten in gold script across the top. When I falter, staring, he flips the lid up. “This is to remind you to make time for what matters.” He smiles. “Like me. Us.”
The loveliest watch I’ve ever seen is nestled around a tiny black pillow, the little diamonds around the face sparkling under the lights from the bathroom.
“I can’t,” I say. “I can’t take this.”
“I disagree.” He takes my hand and wraps the leather bandaround my wrist. Damn it. Now that it’s on, all my protests die. It’s gorgeous.
Jihoon looks pleased. “I knew the style would be perfect for you.”
I’m freaking out a little, but I manage to say, “Thank you.”
He shows me his own wrist. I raise my eyebrows. “We match?”
“I like when couples dress the same back home,” he defends himself. He ducks his head, almost shy, making me laugh and tilt my head to catch his eye.
“I don’t mind matching you.” I line up our arms and take a photo. “Only for me,” I assure him. “Not to post online.”
“I trust you.” He beams, then strokes my wrist with his thumb. “I’ll miss being with you every day, Ari.”
I go up on my tiptoes to leave a kiss on his jaw, but he twists down to kiss me properly. For those few seconds, I forget about Niagara and the plane that will take him back home in a few hours. Kissing Jihoon is like entering a retreat created for the two of us.
He’s the first to pull back this time. “Don’t be late,” he says, dropping a final kiss on my head.
Now I feel like a true heel for leaving for work. “I’ll be back soon.”
He doesn’t try to stop me, and part of me wonders if I wish he would. I text a quick apology to Hana before heading for Niagara, my mind a mix of Jihoon and work.
Mostly Jihoon.
