Page 56 of Hearts & Embers

The single word carried more emotion than an entire conversation.

I looked at her for several seconds then I smiled.

"I think we need to talk."

Aurora stepped aside without hesitation.

"I think so too."

Aurora closed the door behind me before leading the way into the living room. The apartment looked exactly as it always did, yet the atmosphere felt different for some reason. Neither of us seemed entirely comfortable pretending the separation had been easy. The distance had provided time to think, but it had done very little to reduce how much I missed her. For a few moments we remained standing. Lost in time.

Neither of us appeared interested in discussing weather, work, or any of the other safe subjects people usually used to avoid difficult conversations. The issue between us remained exactly where we had left it. Avoiding it now would accomplish nothing.

"I missed you," I admitted without giving it a second thought.

Aurora's expression changed immediately.

"I missed you too."

Her admission eased something inside me.

Not enough.

But it helped.

Taking her hand, crossed to the couch and sat down. Aurora settled beside me. The distance between us was small compared to what had existed over the past few days, but neither of us seemed quite ready to close it completely. Instead, we sat facing each other while the conversation we had both anticipated finally began.

"How are you doing?"

The question sounded simple but it wasn't and Aurora understood that immediately.

"I've been thinking."

A smile touched my mouth.

"Sounds dangerous."

The response earned the first genuine laugh I'd heard from her in days.

"It probably is."

Her smile faded gradually.

"I went to see Cole."

I nodded.

"He called me into his office."

Surprise crossed her face.

"He told you?"

"He told me you came to see him but not what you discussed."

Aurora studied me for a moment.

"I asked him questions…About the job."