Page 78 of A New Chapter

“Everything with you is my favorite,” he replied, and he pulled her in for a hug.

Emma leaned her head against his chest and breathed the scent of vanilla and raw masculinity. If Bath and Body Works could bottle this, they’d make a fortune, she mused.

Shortly after, Emma wore her sleepshirt, and Zack had redressed in his jeans and sweatshirt. They leaned against her front door to say their goodbyes.

“Will you bring Gracie to story time tomorrow?”

“Of course.”

“I have to work until five.”

“We could go out to dinner after.”

“Can Gracie come too?”

“Sure.”

Emma tilted her head up, and Zack immediately covered her lips with his. They were still warm from the bath, and Emma threaded her fingers into Zack’s still-damp hair.

When he pulled back, they were breathless. “I don’t like goodbyes,” she stated.

“I know,” he said, his hands still locked around her waist.

“I wish you could stay.”

“Me too.”

There was so much more to say, but they had already used up the allotted time. As if to remind them, Zack’s phone buzzed. He pulled it out of his pocket and read Damian’s text message.

“Gracie’s waiting for me to tuck her in,” Zack said. “You ok?”

“Yes, of course. I’m used to being alone.” Good thing it was too dark for him to see her forced smile.

“I’ll see you in the morning.” He bent down and gave her one last kiss before walking out the door.

“It won’t be soon enough,” Emma said to the quiet house, and then she trudged up the stairs alone.