Page 78 of Gin & Sin

“I grabbed a taxi and raced to the airport to stop you.”

“And even though it was snowing and traffic was bad, you made it, but my flight was boarded already, and you wished you could still run through the airport to stop my plane.”

I chuckle and nod. “So I sat on a bench believing I’d lost my chance at true love.”

Kit sweetly rubs my cheek. “But I didn’t get on the plane. I couldn’t. Not without one last goodbye.”

“When I saw you, I ran into your arms and you swung me around. Then you kissed me in front of everyone and you told me… you told me?—”

“I told you I was in love with you and if there was any chance you could love me too, I’d stay. I’d have other job opportunities, but there was only one you.”

“The end?”

Kit gently pinches my chin. “Or the beginning.”

“What would our movie be called?”

“Winter Break.”

“I’d watch it.”

Kit nods, searching my eyes. “We’re not so bad at rom-com creation, are we?”

“Hidden talent.”

Kit wraps his arms around me and hauls me into his lap like I weigh nothing. “You deserve all of that, you know? The snow angels and ice skating and tree shopping. You deserve a guy who would choose you over a job.”

I nod, biting my bottom lip. I want to tell him I deservehim. I want this just as it is. I don’t need all the over-the-top romance.I need steamy nights and slow mornings with a man who lets me be who I am without limits.

“Thank you. You deserve…” I pause, gathering the courage to say what I mean. Kit tilts his head, patiently waiting for me to finish. “I think you deserve the world since you opened up mine.”

“It’s been a pleasure, Stewart. You’re inspirational.”

“An old dog can learn new tricks?”

He chuckles. “You’re not old. You’re hitting your prime. Watching you embrace who you are is incredible.”

“I’m really glad our paths crossed.”

“Me too. For the record, I’m not in any hurry for them to uncross.”

That comment makes my throat tighten with emotion. “Me neither.”

TWENTY-EIGHT

KIT

It’s beentwo days since Stewart left and went back home. Lowen worked his magic with Oakley and got an emergency repair done, which ordinarily would be awesome, but I’m sitting here at my own bar, pouting like a toddler who lost his favorite toy.

“Why the face, Kit Kat?” Ridley sidles up next to me, bumping his arm into mine. “Worried we’re gonna be slow? We won’t be. Salem’s been posting on socials all day and we’re already booked for dinner service.”

“I wasn’t worried.”

“But something’s wrong. You’ve been on a cloud of sunshine for weeks and now you look like someone pissed in your cereal.”

“Nah, man. I’m good.” I sit up a little straighter and glance around. “Thanks for checking in though.”

“That’s about as believable as me becoming a vegan,” Lowen drawls from behind me. He flanks me on the other side. “Try again.”

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