t, going over his schedule for the next day. Rachel ha

tus got out to open the door for J

hrough the market, he carefully selected the freshest pr

ndors calling out their daily specials and the a

home to refresh and recharge. He took a relaxin

e – a casual shirt and jeans – he felt rejuv

imself for a lovely evening ahead, look

••

e out tonight . I'll drive m

e packed everything

s, Bo

top by that place to pick up some Jollof rice." He swung by the restaurant, picke

Should he play it cool and normal, or maybe pretend to be a little upset to see how sh

Yeah, he'd just be himself and be happy to see her. No need to overthin

gering pain, she put on a brave face, not wanting Jake to worry or ask questions

r eyes cautious, a little red-rimmed. But

and fruit in the other, a bit of a juggling act.

" She thought to herself still standing at t

ophia said, trying to hide the pain al

didn't notice anything out of the o

hair is loose. It's not what he expected. He was

e catches on her nam

fts he

t will vanish. The apartment smells like vanilla and a mix

to make sure

ve-it's like she's trying to hold herself

He stops in front of her, but doesn't reach out yet. "

s face. "I didn't

ing that?" he ask

" she says. "And I was

and shaky. "Not po

heartbeat

t back away. His hand rises, slow, tentative, brushing a strand of

o fight anymore

murs, her voice crack

esperate, like he's afraid she'll vanish if he lets go. Her hands clutch the fr

Now, it's just them, breathless and burning, clinging

you m

enches. "You

ttersweet and trembling. Then

me up, pl

ere's fire in his touch, restrained only by t

t promi

r back, gripping her like he's anchoring himself. Her fingers tangle in his hair, pulling him

he world shrinks to just this-breathless gasps, trembling

t is forgotten. T

and the aching truth that the