of conversation filled the air, accompanied by the distant melody of a piano. Everything felt intimate, almost surre

pulled out a chair for her. She hesitated for just a second, but then she let herself sink

r that theme park trip?" he asked, his voice laced with nostalgia. "You swo

k me. You manipulated me." She pointed at him accusingly, but her eye

help it. You were gripping the seat like your life depende

e between them. The way they fit into old patterns so effortlessly. It made

self to get lost in it. She laughed until tears pricked at her eyes, teasing Charles about his terrible ta

somethin

aurant, past the flickering candlelight and the

n a whi

e were several doctors in the room, their crisp uniforms standi

king him. He stood near the entrance, his coat draped ove

eath c

t across the room, and something ins

ckly, her heart pou

on remained unreadable as he let out a small chuckle. "Oh, that's the doc

g her features. "He was my high school cla

ched into a discussion about work-something about high-profi

ghts had

k back. The memory of their last conversation resurfaced-the way he had

here he w

ce? Or some

r word Charles said for

-

round them. Suzanne lingered near the entrance, rubbing her arms abse

, a

Fami

zan

t of him. Liam Carter stood just a few feet away, his expression unread

owed hard

aze searching hers. "What are you doin

m on a date with my husband." The words tasted stran

ybe-passed through his expression before he masked it. "I miss you,

between them

hrugged off his coat and draped it over her shoulders. The warmth of the fabric, the scent

lightly, but before she could say anythi

worry

ar

eneath it. He stood by the restaurant door, his arms crossed

at the possessiv

or a moment longer before exhaling softly. "I just wanted

and then- "Your coat," he said, his lips curling in

own on her. Slowly, she reached for the coat, her fing

than necessary. His lips quirked in a small, almost bittersweet smile. Then, wi

him go, feeling a strange sens

leaning in close. His breath was warm against her e