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His hair is slightly windblown. His wings settle behind him. And his eyes are fixed entirely on me.

“That was quick.”

“I considered the stairs.”

“Did you?”

“No.”

I laugh again. His expression softens.

“Thank you for the invitation.”

“You're welcome.”

Neither of us moves.

Then he says quietly, “I've missed you.”

My heart gives a painful little squeeze.

“What are you talking about? We see each other every day.”

“It isn't the same.”

My smile disappears.

No.

It isn't.

Seeing Damian outside repairing my walkway isn't the same as sitting across from him at the Crescent Moon Diner.

Watching him relocate bats isn't the same as teasing him about his tomatoes.

Finding another thing he's quietly fixed isn't the same as being in his arms.

And seeing him every day without touching him?

Without kissing him?

Without hearing him call me Sweet like the word belongs only to me?

It's definitely not the same.

“I know,” I whisper.

His eyes flare red around the edges. I step aside.

“Come in.”

Chapter 24

Belinda

I make Damian a plate. A large plate.

Yes, I'm learning.