Chapter 23

Arrick has moved to his seat, so his back is to her, and he can get a beautiful view from here of outside and that stunning skyline in the morning light. It’s a gray day, but it still looks gorgeous. Deep in thought, he gazes out for a moment before turning his eyes back to me with a sudden sigh of contentment. That calm little boy look of happiness that used to be common but is now rarer. He always seems stressed out nowadays, which is totally ridiculous. Arrick has so little to stress over.

He watches me for a few seconds before reaching out and catches my hand across the table, interlacing my fingers in his in a gesture that makes me instantly forget how much of an ass he’s been all morning.

“I’m glad you came home with me, glad that we talked and had ‘us’ time.” Smiling at me honestly, no cool guard up, and I melt back at him, all moods fluttering away in the light of that smile.

“Me too.” I pull my hand away as I see ‘Madame of the kitchen’ coming our way with