Except... she hadn't really had a plan in weeks. Not since the ring came off her finger and she realized she didn’t miss the man who gave it to her, just the idea of him. The life they’d talked about. The perfectly framed picture of a future she couldn’t quite step into. The one that no matter how hard she tried to fit into it, or how much her family thought it was perfect for her, it always just was too hollow. 

Lily finally got out of the truck and heard the porch creak as she walked across to grab the doorknob of the sun faded house. The front door stuck, same as always. She had to hip-check it twice before it gave in, and she was greeted by silence and dust and light slanting through the curtains. The house hadn’t been lived in for nearly two years since her grandpa had passed away, just a few months after her grandma, and the house was left to Lily’s parents but nobody knew quite what to do with it. It wasn’t until everything fell apart and her dad finally talked about hiring someone to fix the place up to sell that Lily felt like the house was a lifeline. Something to get her out of the city and the mess that was there and put her effort into something tangible. The house may have not been lived in for a long time, but it didn’t feel empty. It felt asleep.

She wasn’t sure how long she sat down at the dust covered kitchen table, just listening… or more so remembering, before she heard the sound. A faint but steady truck engine, deeper than hers, coming up the road.

Lily brushed the dust off of her jeans as curiosity got the better of her and stepped onto the porch just as the dust cloud started to settle behind the truck. He was already out of the cab, boots hitting the gravel like punctuation.

Chris Walker. 

He was taller than she remembered. Broader, too. He moved like someone who didn’t waste energy… deliberate, quiet. Same ball cap, same dark hair curling around the back of his neck. A white tee shirt clung to his shoulders, hands in the pockets of his jeans like he hadn’t meant to get out of the truck at all. But it was unmistakable that it was him. He moved the same as he always had, steady and unhurried, like nothing ever rattled him.

He stopped a few feet from the porch, chin lifting just slightly. There was a hint of a soft smile that she saw when his eyes flicked up to hers, blue and unreadable, as he greeted her plainly, “Hey.”

It wasn’t much, but the way he said it landed solid and sure, like he meant it.

She smiled before she could stop herself, “Hey, stranger.”

“Wasn’t sure if it was really you,” he said. His voice was deeper than she remembered. Low and calm and a little rough, like it didn’t get used much.

“Yeah, it’s really me.” she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “It’s been a long time.” 

He nodded once. Like that was all he needed. They stood there a second, not quite awkward, but not quite easy either.

“I used to wonder what’d happen to this place,” he said finally, glancing toward the porch, the loose boards, the half-collapsed barn roof in the distance. “Figured someone’d come clean it up. Or let it fall down.”

She looked around too, seeing it through his eyes. “I thought maybe I’d do a little of both,” she said, only half joking.

His mouth twitched. “That sounds about right.”

She watched him a moment longer. There was something comforting about the way he stood, like the ground beneath him was solid in a way she hadn’t felt in a long time.

He shifted on his feet. “If you need anything, I’m next door.”

Lily’s throat tightened around a quiet, unexpected gratitude. “Thanks, Chris.”

He gave a small nod and turned back toward the truck without another word, boots scuffing lightly over gravel.

Lily stood there for a while, watching the road even after he disappeared.

She remembered him as the quiet boy next door. Always working. Always watching the ground or the animals or something else that didn’t talk back. She used to think he didn’t like her. He never teased her or joked around like her cousins did. He barely spoke at all. But he’d fixed the tire on her bike once without being asked. And brought her a kitten he found near the barn. He’d just held it out to her, wordless, like an offering.

He’d been kind, she realized. Just not loud about it.

And now here he was, a man grown, still quiet. Still kind.

She stepped back inside, the screen door creaking shut behind her. The light in the house had shifted, spilling over the floors and painting everything in soft gold.

She wasn’t sure how long she was staying. She wasn’t sure what she wanted yet. But something about being here, something about seeing Chris, made the quiet feel less lonely.

“Jesus, baby,” he murmured, eyes raking over her as he pulled her inside. “You’re freezing.”  

Nora barely had time to respond before he was tugging her coat off, his big hands rubbing up and down her arms like he could warm her through sheer will.  

“I should’ve come and got you,” he muttered, leading her into the living room where the fire in his woodstove crackled, throwing soft, golden light across the room.  

“I’m fine,” she assured him, though her chattering teeth betrayed her.  

Chris shot her a look before pulling a blanket off the couch. But instead of draping it around her, he sat down in the oversized chair by the fire and tugged her right onto his lap.  

Nora gasped slightly, not because she minded—because she never minded—but because of how effortlessly he handled her, pulling her in like she weighed nothing.  

“Chris—”  

“Shhh, let me warm you up,” he murmured, wrapping the blanket around both of them and pulling her tighter against his chest.  

His arms curled around her, his hands rubbing slow, firm circles along her back, up and down her arms, over her thighs. She shivered, but not just from the cold.  

His body was solid, heat radiating from him like a furnace. She felt so tiny against him, completely wrapped up in his frame.  

“You’re like a little ice cube,” he mumbled, lips pressing to the top of her head.  

Nora let out a soft breath, nuzzling against his chest, listening to the steady thump of his heart. “I think I like being an ice cube if it means you’ll hold me like this.”  

Chris chuckled, his grip tightening. “I’ll hold you like this whenever you want, baby. You don’t have to be frozen for it.”  

She smiled against him, feeling the last of the cold seep out of her bones, replaced with warmth… his warmth.  

They sat like that for a while, the fire crackling, the wind still howling outside, but none of it mattered. Not when she was wrapped up in him like this.  

Chris’s hand slid into her hair, gently scratching his fingers against her scalp, making her melt even further into him.  

“You know,” he said after a moment, voice deep and warm, “I was thinking…”  

Nora lifted her head slightly, looking up at him. “About what?”  

He smirked, brushing his thumb over her cheek. “About how you’re always ending up in my house, my bed, my arms…” He tipped her chin up, eyes searching hers. “Maybe it should just be our house.”  

Nora’s breath caught.  

Chris gave her a slow, lazy smile, thumb brushing over her lips. “Been wanting to marry you for a long time, sweetheart.” His voice was low, rough with emotion, “I know I want you forever.”  

Her stomach flipped, her fingers curling into his shirt.  

He said it so easily, so casually, like it was a fact. Like he had no doubt in his mind.  

Nora swallowed hard, “You’re serious?”  

Chris grinned, pressing his lips to her temple. “Dead serious. Thinking I’ll keep you forever.”  

A rush of warmth flooded her chest, her fingers gripping him even tighter.  

She had no words, only the overwhelming feeling of safety, love, and home in his arms.  

Chris kissed the top of her head, holding her even closer.  

“Think about it, baby,” he murmured. “Not like I’m going anywhere.”

Nora pressed her face against his chest, her heart pounding, her fingers gripping the fabric of his shirt like she was holding onto something too precious to let slip away.  

Chris wanted to marry her. He had been wanting to.  

She squeezed her eyes shut, overwhelmed in the best way. She had never imagined someone could love her like this—with certainty, with unwavering devotion, with this.  

She felt him press another kiss to her hair, his hands rubbing slow, soothing circles over her back like he wasn’t in any rush, like he’d hold her for as long as she needed.  

And maybe that was what undid her most of all.  

Because she knew.  

Lifting her head, she looked up at him, her eyes shining in the dim firelight. She saw everything in his gaze—his patience, his love, the way he’d wait forever for her to say the words if she needed to.  

But she didn’t need time.  

She knew.

Her throat felt tight as she rested her hand over his heart, feeling the steady rhythm beneath her palm.  

“I know I want it too,” she whispered, her voice small but certain. “I want us… forever.”  

Chris exhaled sharply, his grip tightening around her like he was grounding himself. His jaw flexed, his eyes searching hers, like he needed to make sure he’d heard her right.  

And then, so softly, she added, “I love you so much, Chris.”  

A quiet groan left his lips before he cupped the back of her neck and kissed her. Not rushed, not demanding, just deep, steady, like he was taking in*m what she had just given him.  

When he pulled back, he rested his forehead against hers, his breath warm against her skin, “You have no idea how much I love you.”  

She smiled, wrapping her arms around his neck, pressing herself closer, sinking into him completely.  

He was home.  

What he hadn’t expected was for the front door to open and for Chris to walk in, carrying a to-go cup from the coffee shop down the street.  

Chris was covered in sawdust, his boots tracking in a bit of dirt from outside, his flannel sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He looked like he’d been working since dawn, which he probably had, but his face was relaxed and easy as he walked straight toward Nora.  

“Hey, sweetheart,” he said, setting the cup on the counter in front of her. “Figured you could use some tea.”  

Then he glanced over at Hank, giving him a respectful nod. “Hey, Hank.”  

Hank nodded back. “Chris.”  

Nora blinked up at Chris in surprise, then down at the cup. “How did you—?”  

Chris just shrugged. “You’ve had a headache all morning, haven’t you?”  

She nodded, looking almost shy about it, and he reached out to tuck a stray piece of hair behind her ear.  

“Thought so.”  

Hank leaned back in his chair, watching quietly as Chris made himself useful without a second thought. The kid was supposed to be on his lunch break, but instead of taking it easy, he was here, looking after Nora like it was second nature.  

Before Nora could even thank him properly, Chris glanced toward the back of the store, frowning at the stack of boxes she’d clearly been meaning to move.  

“You’re not lifting those,” he said, already walking over.  

“Chris—”  

He shot her a look over his shoulder. “Not a chance, honey.”  

Hank chuckled under his breath as Chris crouched, gripping the heaviest box with ease and hauling it to its proper place like it was nothing. The kid barely seemed to strain, moving through the bookstore like he owned the place, setting things in order without being asked.  

“You need this ladder still?” Chris called, nodding toward the aluminum step ladder Nora had left out near the shelves.  

She hesitated. “No, I was just—”  

Chris folded it up in one smooth motion, carrying it toward the back room. “Then it doesn’t need to be in the way.”  

Nora sighed, exasperated but clearly endeared. “You know, I do actually run this bookstore.”  

Chris returned to the counter, brushing his hands off and leaning over to press a kiss to her temple. “Yeah, but you don’t have to do everything yourself.”  

Hank shook his head with a quiet chuckle, watching the way Chris softened when he looked at Nora, the way he didn’t just show up—he paid attention. Noticed what she needed before she even had to ask.  

“You’re on your lunch break, aren’t you?” Nora said, narrowing her eyes. “Chris, go eat.”  

He smirked, tilting his head at her. “Yes, ma’am.” But then, lowering his voice so only she could hear, he murmured, “Take it easy, okay? I mean it.”  

Nora smiled softly, and Chris reached out, giving her hand a quick squeeze before heading for the door.  Hank watched him go, waited until the door swung shut behind him before his thoughts churned.

Hank didn’t know Chris all that well. He’d met him a handful of times—when Nora had brought him by for dinner, when he’d stopped into the bookshop, or when they’d run into each other at the hardware store. The kid was friendly, sure. Charismatic as hell, always quick with a grin and a joke. Hank had seen how easily he talked to just about anyone, how at ease he was in a room full of people. But charm only got a man so far.

Nora hadn’t dated much. Not that Hank had ever pried—he wasn’t that kind of dad—but he knew his daughter, knew she kept to herself more often than not. And when she did bring someone around, he figured it was worth paying attention.

And that’s what he’d been doing these past couple of months. Watching.

Chris had a good handshake. Good manners. But Hank had stayed undecided, not because he didn’t like the kid, but because he wanted to see—not hear, not be told, but see—how Chris really felt about his daughter.

And today he saw it. He saw it when Chris had a hundred things to do, probably had a truck full of tools waiting for him outside, and instead of taking his lunch break, he was here, moving boxes for her, tucking away a ladder, pressing a kiss to her temple like it was second nature.

Not for show. Not because Hank was sitting right there. Just because he wanted to.

Hank had seen a lot of men in his life—good men, bad men, the kind of men who talked big but never followed through. But watching Chris now, seeing the way he paid attention, how he didn’t need to be asked to take care of her… well.

Hank didn’t say much, never had. He let his observations sit with him for a while before making up his mind about a person.

And right now, as he looked at his daughter—sitting there with a soft little smile, cradling that cup of tea like it was the kindest thing anyone had ever done for her—Hank figured his mind was made up.

Chris was the kind of man who took care of what was his. And more importantly, he looked at Nora like she was something to be taken care of.

Hank took a slow sip of his coffee, shaking his head.

“You know,” he mused, watching his daughter’s smile linger, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen that boy sit still for more than two minutes. But for you? He makes the time.”

Nora’s cheeks flushed, but she just looked down at the tea, running her fingers around the lid.

“Yeah,” she said softly. “He does.”

Hank exhaled through his nose, nodding to himself as he went back to his magazine.

Chris was alright. More than alright.

But fuck, watching him work like that, his broad shoulders flexing, his strong back shining with a thin sheen of sweat, had her mind slipping to thoughts she probably shouldn’t be having in the middle of his garage. Thoughts of Chris above her, his skin hot and damp just like it was now, his muscles tight with exertion as he moved… 

She shook herself, pressing her thighs together as she stepped further inside.  

Chris turned at the sound of her footsteps, wiping sweat from his forehead, and as soon as his eyes landed on her, she knew she was in trouble.  

His gaze dragged over her slowly, from her sandaled feet to the bare expanse of her legs, lingering on the hem of her sundress… much shorter than she usually wore, the fabric light and breezy, the straps barely there.  

Chris’s expression darkened, his jaw tightening before his lips curved into a slow, knowing smirk.  

“Sweetheart,” he drawled, setting his tools down. “That a new dress?”  

Nora shifted on her feet, feeling suddenly self-conscious under the weight of his stare. “It’s just for the heat,” she said, defensively.  

Chris hummed, stepping toward her, “Uh-huh.” His eyes flicked down again, sweeping over her legs before snapping back up to hers, “Think you forgot half of it.”  

Heat shot straight to her cheeks.  

“It’s not that short,” she argued, even though she knew it was a losing battle.  

Chris’s smirk widened as he reached for her, his rough, calloused hands finding her bare waist as he pulled her in, her hips pressing against his. He was still warm from working, his skin hot beneath her palms as she instinctively steadied herself against his chest.  

“Damn, baby,” he murmured, voice rough, “you do this on purpose?”  

Nora blinked, “Do what?”  

Chris exhaled sharply through his nose, shaking his head like she was driving him crazy. “Walk in here lookin’ like that. All soft and sweet. Tell me it’s just ‘cause of the heat while you’re standing there with those tiny little straps slipping off your shoulders.”  

His fingers slid up her arms, his thumbs teasing at the straps, like he was considering just taking them off.  

Nora’s breath hitched.  

“I didn’t—”  

Chris leaned in, his lips grazing the shell of her ear. “Didn’t what?” His voice was pure sin, deep and thick with heat. “Didn’t think about how it’d make me feel? Seein’ you like this?”  

Nora swallowed, her fingers twisting into the waistband of his jeans. She had thought about it… at least a little. Maybe not in the way Chris was suggesting, but she had wanted him to notice.  

But now? Now she felt it.  

The tension in his body, the way his grip tightened on her waist like he was holding himself back.  

She felt powerful.  

She let her hands drift up, skimming over his chest, feeling the way his breath stuttered. She toyed with the soft hair there, running her fingers through it slowly, watching the way his lips parted as he stared down at her like she was driving him insane.  

“You’re all worked up over a dress?” she asked, tilting her head, feeling bolder than usual.  

Chris groaned, his hands sliding lower, gripping the backs of her thighs as he lifted her onto the workbench in one smooth motion.  

Nora gasped, her legs instinctively wrapping around his hips as he stepped between them, his big hands gripping her thighs, thumbs tracing slow circles against her overheated skin.  

Chris’s forehead pressed to hers, his voice thick. “I’m worked up over you, baby. The dress is just making it worse.”  

Nora’s heart pounded.  

Chris smirked, tilting her chin up, forcing her to meet his gaze, “Nobody does this to me but you, you know that?”  

She swallowed hard, her fingers tightening in his hair, her breath coming in short, uneven pants.  

Chris kissed her, slow and deep, his lips claiming hers, making her forget everything else. The heat, the garage, the sawdust in the air… none of it mattered.  

It was just him.  

Just Chris and his hands on her skin, his mouth moving against hers like he needed her, like he’d been starving for this.  

She felt like she was melting, unraveling completely in his arms.  

And from the way Chris groaned against her lips, she had a feeling he was right there with her.  

When they finally pulled apart, both of them breathless. Chris stood between her legs, bare-chested and gleaming with sweat, his muscles flexing as he braced his hands on either side of her thighs. The heat in the garage was nothing compared to the heat rolling off him, the scent of sawdust and cedar clinging to his skin. His dark, sweat-dampened hair curled at the edges, and Nora had to fight the urge to run her fingers through it.  

She really should have thought this through before showing up in this dress.  

“Real tiny dress you got on, baby,” Chris murmured, his voice thick and rough, eyes locked on hers as his fingers trailed up her bare thigh. “Don’t think I’ve ever seen you in somethin’ this short.”  

Nora swallowed, feeling every point of contact where his hands skimmed her skin. “It’s hot out,” she said, breathless.  

Chris smirked, his warm, calloused hands settling on her hips, thumbs stroking over the soft fabric of her sundress. “Oh, I know why you wore it,” he said, his voice dipping lower, teasing. “But I gotta ask—was it for the heat, or was it for me?”  

Nora’s breath hitched, heat rushing through her body at the way he was looking at her, like he was already undressing her with his eyes.  

His fingers found the straps at her shoulders, slipping one down, then the other, slow and deliberate, “Damn shame if this ended up on the shop floor,” he murmured, his lips hovering close to hers, his breath warm.  

Nora let out a shaky breath, her heart hammering against her ribs. But she wouldn’t let him get the upper hand so easily.  

“Good thing you’ve got a washer, then,” she whispered, watching his reaction.  

Chris froze. Just for a second. And then, a deep groan rumbled from his chest, his fingers tightening on her hips as his forehead dropped to hers.  

“Baby,” he said, his voice strained, like she was killing him. “You say stuff like that, and I will be takin’ this dress off you.”  

She smiled, her hands finding his bare chest, feeling the warmth of his skin, the coarse hair beneath her fingers. She traced her nails down his stomach, grinning when his abs flexed under her touch.  

Chris let out a sharp breath, grabbing her hand and pressing it flat against his chest, right over his hammering heartbeat, “You have to know what you do to me,” he muttered.  

Nora tilted her head, all wide eyes and feigned innocence, “What do I do?”  

Chris groaned, dragging his hands up her thighs, pushing her dress higher, “You drive me crazy, that’s what,” he said, his lips brushing against her ear. “And what’s worse—you know it.”  

Nora shivered at his tone, gripping his shoulders,  “Maybe.”  

Chris let out a husky laugh, shaking his head. “Damn menace,” he murmured before capturing her lips in a deep, slow kiss, his hands gripping her waist like he’d never let her go.

Chris let out a rough chuckle, shaking his head as he looked at her—really looked at her. Sitting on his workbench, legs parted just enough for him to stand between them, her sundress pushed high up her thighs, the straps barely hanging on. She looked like every dream he hadn’t let himself have when he first met her.  

“Y’know,” he said, dragging his hands slowly down her bare legs, his thumbs brushing her soft skin. “If you’d told me months ago that this is where we’d end up… you sittin’ on my workbench, barely dressed, lookin’ like a damn dream…I would’ve never believed it.”  

Nora tilted her head, that soft, teasing little smirk playing on her lips as she slid her hands over his chest, letting her nails scratch lightly through the dusting of hair there. “Hmm,” she hummed, biting back a grin. “That’s funny.”  

Chris raised a brow. “What is?”  

She leaned in, lips grazing his jaw before whispering, “Because I’d sit on your workbench not dressed at all if you asked me to.”  

Chris just about died. His grip on her tightened as he sucked in a sharp breath, his head dropping against her shoulder like she’d physically taken him out. “Jesus, baby,” he groaned, voice wrecked. “You cannot say stuff like that to me.”  

Nora giggled, running her fingers through his hair, tugging just a little, “Why not?” she asked innocently, though the glint in her eyes was anything but.  

Chris lifted his head, eyes dark, full of heat, full of something deeper, something wrecked just from her sitting there looking at him like she knew exactly what she was doing. “Because I’m this close to layin’ you back on this damn bench and reminding you that you’re all mine.”  

She’d known he wasn’t feeling great last night—his voice had sounded rough over the phone, and he’d admitted he might be coming down with something. But she hadn’t realized it was bad enough to keep him in bed all day.

Taking a breath, she tried the door handle. It was unlocked.

Quietly, she stepped inside.

The house was dim, only a little afternoon light coming through the curtains. The air was thick with warmth from the heater, and in the silence, she could hear the faint sound of slow, heavy breathing from the couch.

Chris was curled up beneath a blanket, one arm tucked under his head, his brows drawn like even in sleep, he felt miserable.

Nora’s heart clenched.

She stepped closer, kneeling by the couch.

“Chris,” she murmured softly, brushing her fingers against his forehead.

He stirred, a slow blink before his heavy-lidded eyes met hers.

“Nora?” His voice was hoarse, thick with sleep.

She gave him a small smile. “Hey.”

Chris exhaled a slow breath, shifting slightly. “What’re you doin’ here?”

“You weren’t answering,” she said softly, brushing his hair back.

He hummed, closing his eyes for a second at the touch before cracking one open again. “Didn’t want you to get sick.”

Nora shook her head. “I don’t care about that.”

Chris let out a low, sleepy chuckle. “Should.”

She ignored that, smoothing a hand over his arm. “Are you comfortable?”

He exhaled slowly. “M’fine, baby.”

She frowned, eyeing the rumpled blanket half falling off the couch. “I’ll be right back.”

Chris made a small noise of protest, but she ignored it, slipping into his bedroom.

His bed was unmade, the blankets tangled up, like he’d spent half the night tossing and turning before finally giving up and crashing on the couch instead. She grabbed one of his pillows, the one that looked like it had been flattened by the weight of his head night after night, and a fresh, heavier blanket from the foot of the bed.

When she came back, Chris was watching her, his tired eyes tracking her movements.

Nora set the pillow down and nudged at his shoulder. “Sit up for a second.”

He grumbled but obeyed, letting her slide the new pillow beneath him. Then she draped the fresh blanket over him, tucking it around his broad frame.

Chris exhaled a slow breath, sinking into the comfort she’d brought him.

Nora sat on the edge of the couch, her fingers combing lightly through his hair. “What else can I do? What would make you feel better?”

Chris blinked up at her, his gaze soft but sure.

“Just want my girl,” he murmured.

Nora’s breath caught.

His girl.

She swallowed, warmth blooming in her chest.

“Well,” she whispered, smoothing her palm down his arm. “You have her.”

Chris let out a quiet sigh, his fingers reaching for hers beneath the blanket, tugging her hand against his chest.

And just like that, he finally relaxed. Chris’s grip on her hand was loose but insistent, his broad palm warm despite the feverish heat clinging to his skin. He exhaled deeply, his chest rising and falling beneath the blanket, and though his eyes fluttered closed for a moment, he still held onto her like he was afraid she might slip away.

“You should be at work,” he muttered, voice rough. His thumb brushed lightly over her knuckles, almost absentmindedly.

Nora hesitated. She’d expected this. Chris wasn’t the type to let people fuss over him, and he definitely wasn’t the type to let her put her responsibilities on hold for him.

“I closed up early,” she admitted, watching the way his brows furrowed.

His eyes cracked open again. “Nora—”

“I wanted to,” she cut in gently, squeezing his hand before he could protest. “There’s nothing at the shop that can’t wait until tomorrow.”

Chris stared at her for a long moment, his tired blue eyes scanning her face, like he was trying to find some hint of reluctance. But there wasn’t any.

Finally, he let out a slow breath. “You’re somethin’ else, you know that?”

Nora smiled. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

His lips twitched, almost like he wanted to smile but was too exhausted to pull it off. “Nah,” he murmured, shaking his head just slightly. “It’s a real good thing.”

She smoothed her fingers through his hair, feeling the slight dampness from sweat at his temples. “Are you hungry? Thirsty?”

Chris just shook his head again, eyes falling closed as he let out a slow sigh.

Nora frowned, brushing her knuckles lightly across his cheek. “Is there anything I can do?”

“You’re already doin’ it, baby,” he mumbled. His voice was sleep-heavy, raspy, but that last word—baby—was soft.

Her heart clenched.

She leaned forward, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead. “I’m staying, okay?”

Chris hummed low in his throat, shifting slightly beneath the blanket. His grip on her hand didn’t loosen, not even as he drifted off, breathing deep and slow.

"Daniel?" Nora sounded caught off guard as they stood in the checkout line at the hardware store.

Chris looked up from his phone just as the guy turned around. He was tall, lanky, with neatly combed hair, glasses, and—were those loafers? In a hardware store?

Chris fought back a smirk.

"Nora! Wow, it's been ages," Daniel said, adjusting the strap of his messenger bag. He glanced at Chris with polite curiosity before turning back to her. "How have you been?"

"Good," she said, shifting slightly. "Uh, this is Chris."

Chris stuck out his hand, gripping Daniel’s with firm pressure, amused when the guy’s handshake was weak and a little damp. "Hey, man. Nice to meet you."

"You too," Daniel said, nodding. "Are you…?"

"Her boyfriend," Chris said smoothly, sliding his arm around Nora’s waist, tugging her a little closer. "And you?"

Daniel hesitated. "Oh, uh—old friend."

Chris grinned. "That right?"

Nora, ever the sweet one, shifted like she hated how Daniel fumbled to avoid the word ex.

They made small talk for a minute, Daniel worked in finance, lived a few towns over, and had just stopped in for a lightbulb. The conversation wrapped up quickly, and as soon as he was out of earshot, Chris snorted.

"That was your ex?"

Nora sighed. "Chris."

"No, I just—I need a second." He turned to her, grinning. "This is huge for me."

She gave him a look. "Why?"

"Because I finally know your type."

She groaned, pushing at his chest. "You are my type."

Chris laughed, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her in. "Am I, though? Because I don’t own a single pair of loafers."

She huffed, hiding her face against his chest. "I was seventeen, shut up."

He grinned, pressing a kiss to her temple. "I would've bet money you went for guys who read hardcover books and drank fancy tea."

She lifted her head to glare at him. "I do like guys who read hardcover books."

Chris smirked. "Yeah, but you love me."

She sighed, shaking her head. "And why do I?"

He kissed her forehead. "Because I build you bookshelves and don’t wear stupid shoes."

That made her laugh, soft and sweet, and Chris knew he had won.

Daniel might have been her type once.

And that? That just made it worse.  

He sat back on the couch, arms draped across the cushions, watching her over the rim of his coffee mug. She was so effortlessly beautiful—so unaware of what she was doing to him. And that was the thing. She wasn’t trying. She didn’t have to.  

She shifted in her seat, stretching a little, and the hem of her sweater lifted just enough to show a hint of skin at her waist. Chris felt his jaw tighten, his fingers flexing against his mug.  

She caught him staring and blinked, tilting her head slightly. “What?”  

Chris smirked. God, she was cute.  

“Nothing,” he said, shaking his head.  

She narrowed her eyes slightly, setting her tea down. “No, you’re looking at me weird.”  

He let out a quiet chuckle. If only she knew.  

“Come here, baby,” he murmured instead.  

She hesitated, glancing down at herself like she wasn’t sure why he’d want her closer. Like she didn’t make his blood burn just by sitting there.  

“Chris…”  

“C’mere,” he said again, gentler this time, reaching a hand out toward her.  

She sighed, like she didn’t understand what all the fuss was about, but got up anyway.  

The second she was within reach, Chris wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her onto his lap.  

She let out a soft gasp, her hands landing on his chest as she stared at him in surprise.  

“Better,” Chris murmured, sliding his hands over her back, down to her hips. She was so small in his arms, so delicate compared to him, and it just made him want to hold her tighter.  

“Chris,” she mumbled, cheeks turning pink. “What are you doing?”  

He chuckled, rubbing slow circles into her waist with his thumbs. “Holding my girl. That a problem?”  

She was still blinking at him like she couldn’t quite figure him out. Like she didn’t understand why he looked at her the way he did, why he ached for her the way he did.  

That did something to him, knowing she had no clue how crazy she drove him.  

He brushed his nose against hers, his voice softer now. “You really don’t know, do you?”  

Her breath hitched, “Know what?”  

Chris exhaled slowly, his hands tightening on her waist, “How bad I want you.”  

He felt the way she shivered at his words, how her fingers curled slightly against his chest.  

“I…” She swallowed, shaking her head. “I don’t get it.”  

Chris let out a quiet groan, closing his eyes for a second before looking at her again. “That? That right there? You having no idea how damn beautiful you are? How good you feel against me?” He let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. “It’s driving me crazy, baby.”  

Her lips parted slightly, her breath uneven now. “Oh.”  

Chris smirked, brushing a slow, teasing kiss against her jaw, “Yeah. Oh.”  

He felt her tremble slightly, and that only made him hold her closer.  

“I’ve never…” She hesitated, then let out a breath. “I don’t think anyone’s ever…”  

Chris pulled back just enough to look her in the eye, tilting his head slightly. “Wanted you like this?” he finished for her.  

She gave a small, unsure nod.  

Chris’s chest ached.  

He brushed his knuckles against her cheek, voice lower now. “Then they were all fools.”  

She exhaled shakily, her hands gripping the fabric of his shirt.  

Chris gave her a slow, teasing smile, “But I’m not a fool.”  

Before she could process that, before she could argue or overthink, he kissed her, deep and slow and aching, letting her feel everything.  

She melted against him, her arms sliding around his neck, and Chris groaned against her lips, pulling her tighter against his chest.  

No, he wasn’t a fool.  

But God, was he a goner.

Nora was pressed up against him, looking at him with those soft, wide eyes, her lips slightly swollen from his kisses, her small hands still fisted in his shirt like she needed him just as much as he needed her. And maybe she didn’t fully realize it, maybe she didn’t know just how much she had him wrapped around her little finger, but Chris felt it deep in his bones.

She was his.

And then she said it.

“I’m all yours, Chris.”

His breath left him in a harsh exhale, his grip on her waist tightening as his heart pounded.

God, she was going to kill him.

He dragged his hands up her back, holding her even closer, his fingers pressing into the soft curve of her waist like he needed to anchor himself. “You can’t just say things like that, baby.” His voice was rough, nearly unsteady.

Her lips curved slightly, but there was something earnest in her eyes, something sweet and open that made his chest feel too tight. “But it’s true.”

Chris groaned, tilting his head back for a second, trying to pull himself together, but then she moved her hands up his chest, her touch soft and warm, and damn it, he was gone for her.

He let out a breath, looking back down at her, shaking his head, “You have to know what that does to me.”

She swallowed, her fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt again, “I think I’m starting to have an idea.”

Chris clenched his jaw, his pulse hammering. “Yeah?” He dropped his forehead to hers, his voice lower now, rougher, “Then say it again.”

She sucked in a breath, her body pressing closer like she couldn’t help it, “I’m yours.”

A curse slipped from his lips as he crushed his mouth against hers, one hand sliding into her hair, the other gripping her hip like he needed to prove she was his, like he needed her to feel it.

She melted against him, kissing him back just as desperately, her hands sliding up to wrap around his neck, and Chris swore he’d never felt something more right in his life.

When he pulled back, he didn’t let her go. His hands stayed firm on her waist, his thumbs stroking against the soft skin just under the hem of her shirt. His voice was low, thick with emotion. “There’s nobody for me but you, Nora.”

Her breath caught, and she looked up at him like he’d just given her the world.

“Do you get that?” he asked, his grip tightening slightly, his eyes searching hers. “I don’t want anyone else. I don’t even see anyone else. It’s just you.”

He’d heard enough about them to know they were a loud, rough, and rowdy bunch… guys who teased first and asked questions later, guys who had probably never considered the idea of Nora bringing home a guy because, well… she never had.

That thought sat heavy in his chest as he glanced over at her. She was watching him with an amused little smile, like she could tell he was bracing himself. “You okay?”

Chris huffed a laugh, rolling his shoulders, “Yeah, just trying to decide if I should’ve worn a suit of armor.”

That got a soft giggle out of her, and hell, he’d take a hundred brothers giving him hell if it meant he got to hear that sound. “They’ll be a lot, but they’ll like you,” she assured him.

Chris smirked, “I like how you threw ‘a lot’ in there like a warning.”

Before she could respond, the front door slammed open, and a tall, broad-shouldered man filled the doorway. “There he is!”

Chris barely had a second to react before he was being clapped on the shoulder—hard—and yanked inside like they’d been waiting for him.

“Chris Evans,” the guy said, shaking his hand like they were about to negotiate a business deal. “We’ve heard a lot about you.”

Chris arched a brow, “Yeah?” He shot a glance at Nora, but she just sighed and rubbed her temple.

“Unfortunately,” another voice added from inside.

Chris stepped forward into a warm, lived-in house that smelled like butter and roasted meat. And then he was hit with a wall of Bennett brothers.

All of them were tall. All of them looked like they had been raised on football and fistfights. And all of them were grinning at him like they were about to have a really good time at his expense.

Nora’s dad sat at the table, watching the scene unfold with an expression Chris couldn’t quite read.

“I’m Jack,” said the first brother, the one who’d yanked him inside. “That’s Owen, Matt, and Ben.”

Ben, the youngest, squinted at Chris. “Wait a second… I know you.”

Chris tilted his head. “You went to Lincoln High?”

Ben snapped his fingers. “Yes! You were a couple years ahead of me! You played baseball, right?”

Chris smirked, “Shortstop.”

Ben grinned, “Damn. Small world.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Matt interrupted, waving a hand. “Enough about Chris, let’s talk about the real mystery here—” He turned to Nora, his smirk wicked. “You finally bring a guy home, and it’s him?”

Chris frowned. What the hell was that supposed to mean?

Jack snorted, “Right? Like, since when do you even date, Nora?”

“Do you even know how to date?” Owen teased.

Chris glanced at Nora just in time to see her shrinking in on herself. She looked down, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her sweater. And suddenly, a whole lot of things about her made even more sense.

Chris had known she was shy. He’d known she tended to keep to herself, that she wasn’t used to attention. But now he saw why. This.

This constant teasing, this not taking her seriously, this talking about her like she wasn’t even in the room. It wasn’t mean-spirited, but it was too much.

Chris didn’t think. He just acted.

He slung an arm around Nora’s shoulders, tugging her in against his side, and flashed them all a cocky grin, “You know she’s standing right here, right?”

The brothers froze, caught.

Chris tilted his head, giving them an easy, amused look, “I mean, I get it, she’s way out of my league, too. But let’s not act like I don’t have some good qualities.” He waggled his brows, “Great hair. Solid work ethic. Extremely charming.”

Nora let out a surprised little laugh, and Chris felt her relax against him.

Jack groaned, “Oh, come on.”

Chris shrugged, dropping his arm from around Nora but staying close. “What? You’re all standing around here acting shocked like it’s crazy that she’s got a guy who thinks she’s amazing. Maybe the real problem is that you’re just slow to catch on.”

Nora blinked up at him, something unreadable in her wide eyes.

The brothers all groaned in exaggerated frustration.

“Oh, this guy’s good,” Owen muttered.

“Too smooth,” Jack agreed. “I don’t trust him.”

Chris grinned, “That’s fair.”

Hank, who had been quiet this whole time, finally cleared his throat, “Are you boys gonna keep harassing your sister’s boyfriend or are we gonna eat?”

Chris didn’t miss the way Nora’s lips parted slightly at the word boyfriend.

Ben sighed, “I guess we can let him sit down.”

Jack pointed at Chris as they all sat. “But don’t think we’re done with you.”

Chris shot him a wink, “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

Dinner was chaotic. The Bennetts were loud. They talked over each other, argued, laughed, and bickered with a rhythm that somehow worked. And Chris, despite their hazing, fit in with ease.

But the best part?

The way Nora gradually loosened up, how her eyes kept drifting toward him, how every time her brothers tried to push too far, he had her back.

At one point, Owen elbowed her, “You know, if you were gonna go for a carpenter, I figured it’d be someone like Mr. Peterson—”

“Who’s like eighty,” Jack added.

Chris set his fork down and sighed dramatically. “Well, damn. If I knew I was competing with Peterson, I would’ve tried harder.”

Nora actually laughed, shaking her head.

And Chris? He wasn’t sure what it meant yet, but he knew this much… he loved making her laugh.

By the end of the night, as he helped her dad clear plates and Nora stood beside him at the sink, he leaned in just enough for her to hear.

“Still worried about them scaring me off?” he murmured.

She glanced up at him, and there was something soft in her gaze. Something grateful. Something that made him want to pull her close and never let go.

She shook her head, her voice quiet but certain. “Not anymore.”

~~~~~~~~~

The truck rumbled softly as Chris steered them down the quiet, winding roads back toward town. The night air had a bite to it, the windows fogging slightly from the warmth inside the cab. It smelled faintly of sawdust, leather, and the faintest trace of Nora’s perfume, something light and sweet that he’d started to associate with her.

She was quiet beside him, her hands folded in her lap, fingers absently fidgeting with the hem of her sweater. He could still see the pink in her cheeks from the chaotic dinner, the way she kept sneaking glances at him like she wanted to say something but wasn’t sure how.

Chris let the silence stretch, giving her time. He’d learned that about her, that she wasn’t the type to jump into conversation, that sometimes she needed a moment to sort through her thoughts before she spoke.

Finally, she let out a small breath and turned toward him.

“Thank you.”

Chris flicked his gaze toward her, his hands steady on the wheel, “For what?”

She hesitated, then tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, looking down at her lap, “For… speaking up for me. For not just letting them talk over me, or tease me, or act like I wasn’t even there.” She swallowed, her voice softer now. “No one really does that.”

Chris tightened his grip on the wheel, his jaw ticking.

That right there—that—was what had made his blood run hot back at the house. The way her brothers teased her was all in good fun, sure, but it was constant. She’d grown up in a house full of loud voices, of people who didn’t realize they were drowning her out. And maybe she’d gotten used to it, but Chris had seen the way her shoulders had drawn in, the way she’d accepted it like it was just the way things were.

He didn’t like it.

He didn’t like that she felt small in her own family.

Didn’t like that she’d grown used to being overlooked.

Didn’t like the way it had felt normal to her.

Chris exhaled, rubbing a hand over his jaw, “Yeah, well… they’re your brothers. It’s their job to mess with you.” He glanced over at her meaningfully. “But that doesn’t mean they should act like you’re invisible.”

Nora looked down again, her fingers twisting together in her lap, “I don’t think they mean to.”

Chris made a low, thoughtful sound in his throat. Maybe they didn’t. But that didn’t make it okay.

He reached over, tapping a gentle finger against her knee, “Hey.”

She looked up.

He held her gaze, serious now, “You don’t have to just take it.”

She blinked, her lips parting slightly.

“You can tell ‘em when it’s too much,” he continued. “You can remind them you exist. And if they don’t listen…” His lips curved slightly. “Well, lucky for you, you’ve got me now.”

A slow, surprised smile spread across her face,  “Yeah?”

Chris smirked, giving her knee one last pat before putting his hand back on the wheel, “Yeah.”

She let out a soft laugh, shaking her head, but there was something warm in her eyes now. Something softer. Something grateful.

For a while, they drove in comfortable silence, the streetlights casting fleeting shadows across her face.

And then, just before they reached her place, she spoke again, quieter this time.

“I liked that,” she admitted. “Having someone… see me.”

Chris glanced over, and something deep in his chest ached.

He reached for her hand, threading their fingers together. “Get used to it, Nora,” he murmured. “I see you and I love what I see.”

“Sweetheart, I don’t know if I can keep doing this,” Chris groaned as he set down another heavy box, dramatically flexing his shoulders. “At this rate, I’m gonna need hazard pay.”

Nora shot him a look, hands on her hips, “Hazard pay?”

Chris nodded solemnly, stepping closer. “Mm-hmm. The conditions here are brutal.”

She arched a brow, “How so?”

Chris glanced down at the open collar of his flannel like he was deep in thought, “Well, for starters, you’ve got me sweating.”

Nora snorted, shaking her head, “It’s not that much work.”

Chris smirked, and then—slowly—dragged his eyes up her body until their gazes met. “Wasn’t talking about the boxes, honey.”

Oh.

Heat spread through her chest, creeping up her neck as Chris just watched her, like he was waiting to see exactly how flustered he could make her.

And God, he was so good at it.

Nora swallowed, turning back to open another box, trying to steady herself. “Well,” she said, attempting to sound unaffected, “if you can’t handle it, I’m sure I can find someone else to help—”

A sudden warmth brushed against her back, a solid presence just close enough that she felt him there without actually touching her.

“Try it,” Chris murmured, low and rough against her ear. “See what happens.”

Nora went completely still, breath catching.

She felt him shift, barely an inch, his voice a slow drawl when he spoke again.

“You think some other guy’s gonna drop everything to come in here and lift heavy things for you?” His tone was teasing, but there was an edge underneath, something dangerous, something possessive. “Think anyone else would work this hard just for a smile from you?”

Nora finally turned, her breath uneven, her heart hammering.

Chris was right there, looking at her like she was the only thing in the room worth paying attention to. His eyes flickered over her face, down to her lips, then back up again.

Nora could barely breathe, “You sure you’re not just here for the free coffee?”

Chris grinned, but there was heat in his gaze. “Nah,” he said, reaching out, brushing his fingers lightly along the inside of her wrist. “I’m here for you.”

Her pulse jumped.

And then, slowly, deliberately, Chris curled his fingers around her wrist, tugging her just a little closer.

Her free hand landed against his chest, and God, he was warm, solid, right there.

Chris hummed low in his throat, his fingers brushing along the sensitive skin on the inside of her wrist. “You always get this worked up when your boyfriend helps you with some heavy lifting?”

Her stomach flipped.

Boyfriend.

The word did something to her, sent a thrill through her veins, made her feel like her whole body was suddenly too warm.

“You’re awfully confident,” she murmured, trying for light, for teasing, but her voice betrayed her.

Chris smirked, shifting just slightly closer, their bodies barely a breath apart. “Sweetheart, I think I’ve got a pretty good read on you by now.”

And then, just to prove his point, he leaned in, brushing his lips against her cheek, his scruff tickling her skin, before letting them graze the shell of her ear.

“You gonna let me kiss you, or are you gonna make me really work for it?” he murmured, his voice all gravel and heat.

Nora barely had time to react before his lips finally met hers, slow and warm and completely, devastatingly thorough.

When he pulled away, Nora knew she was breathless but something in her just couldn’t give him the upper hand that easily. She gave him that sweet smile and told him, “Move the rest of my boxes and then I’ll let you kiss me.” 

An amused chuckle came out of him as he mused, “So I am going to have to work for it, huh?” 

When she just nodded, he laughed but did as she directed and went back to work for nearly half an hour, lugging heavy boxes into the shop, stacking them neatly by the shelves while Nora cataloged them. He wasn’t complaining, he’d do just about anything for her, but he was gonna milk it for all it was worth.

He groaned dramatically, rolling his shoulders as he dropped another box onto the counter. “I don’t know how much more of this I can take, sweetheart. You’re working me to the bone here.”

Nora barely glanced up from her notebook. “Oh, come on, you’re supposed to be a big, strong man, aren’t you?”

Chris blinked. He was so used to her being quiet, blushing at his teasing, not throwing it right back at him. His brows lifted in surprise, a slow smirk tugging at his lips, “Oh, is that how it is?”

She hummed, tapping her pen against her lips as she inspected him, “Mm-hmm. You look plenty strong to me. I’d hate to think I overestimated you.”

Chris stared at her, taken aback in the best way. This wasn’t just a glimpse of something bold underneath her usual shyness, this was her outright challenging him, teasing him, and damn if it didn’t do something to him.

He let out a sharp breath, raking a hand through his hair, “Damn, honey. You always this cruel to your boyfriend?”

Nora smirked, “Only when he’s being dramatic.”

Chris narrowed his eyes, stepping closer, his presence towering, “You’re awful confident for someone who can’t lift one of these boxes on her own.”

She shrugged, “That’s what you’re here for, isn’t it?”

Chris exhaled, shaking his head, watching her like she was something brand new. And maybe she was. to everyone else. But not to him. He’d felt this part of her before, seen it in the way she was steady in her work, in the way she pushed back just enough when he teased. But never like this. Never so effortlessly playful, so openly bold.

And God, he loved it.

He leaned against the counter, tilting his head, “Unbelievable. Using me for my muscles.”

Nora finally looked up at him, her gaze sparkling, “Well, it is one of your better qualities.”

Chris’s brows shot up, “One of?”

She bit back a smile, “Mm-hmm.”

His stomach flipped, heat curling low in his gut. Shit. She was adorable when she was shy, but this? This confidence that was just for him? It made him feel possessive.

He reached out, hooking a finger through one of the belt loops on her jeans, tugging her just slightly forward. “Sweetheart,” he murmured, voice dropping, “I don’t know if you realize what kind of fire you’re playing with here.”

Nora tilted her head, all innocence, “Oh? And what kind is that?”

Chris exhaled through his nose, really fighting the urge to just kiss her senseless right there. Instead, he tightened his grip a fraction, voice rough. “The kind that ends with me throwing you over my shoulder and carrying you upstairs.”

For a split second, she hesitated, like she couldn’t quite believe she’d pushed him this far. But then she blinked up at him, tapped a finger against her chin, and mused, “I don’t know. You did say you were exhausted. I wouldn’t want to… overwork you.”

Chris actually staggered back a step.

“Oh, hell no,” he breathed, staring at her in disbelief. He dragged a hand down his face, a sharp laugh escaping his throat. “Damn, Nora.”

She giggled, and he felt it in his chest.

His fingers flexed at his sides, itching to pull her in, to kiss her until she was breathless. “You cannot just say things like that and expect me to function properly.”

Nora grinned, all wide-eyed and sweet, like she hadn’t just made his brain short-circuit, “What? I thought you liked a little challenge.”

Chris let out a quiet, incredulous laugh. He had never been more gone for someone in his life.

“You better be careful, sweetheart,” he murmured, stepping closer, his voice low and promising. “You tease me like this, I will make you pay for it.”

Nora lifted a brow, “Oh? And how’s that?”

What he wasn’t used to was Nora gasping like he’d just lost a limb.  

“Oh my god—Chris, you’re bleeding.”  

He looked up to see her standing in the doorway of the garage, her eyes wide as they zeroed in on his hand. He barely had time to register her reaction before she was crossing the space between them, her small hands reaching for his like she was about to perform emergency surgery.  

Chris chuckled, shaking his head. “Honey, it’s nothing—”  

“It’s not nothing,” she interrupted, grabbing his wrist before he could wipe it on his jeans again. Her fingers were gentle as she turned his hand over, inspecting the wound. “This could get infected.”  

Chris bit back a grin at the absolute seriousness in her voice. “It’s a scratch, baby. I’ve had worse just walking through the woods.”  

Nora shot him a look, unimpressed. “That doesn’t make it better.”  

He was trying real hard not to smile now, watching her fuss over him like this. It was cute as hell. He’d never had anyone so concerned over a little scrape before.  

She glanced around, frowning. “Do you even have a first aid kit out here?”  

Chris smirked. “Yeah. It’s called running it under some water and moving on.”  

Nora shook her head, “That is not an acceptable answer.”  

Before he could protest again, she was already tugging him toward the house, her small fingers wrapped around his wrist like she could actually force him to go. The truth was, he would’ve let her drag him anywhere.  

Once inside, she guided him to sit at the kitchen table before hurrying off to grab the first aid kit. He leaned back in the chair, watching with amusement as she pulled out antiseptic wipes, gauze, and a bandage like she was about to patch up a soldier in battle.  

“Nora,” he said, but she shushed him with a stern look as she took his hand in hers.  

“This might sting,” she warned before dabbing at the wound with a wipe.  

Chris barely felt it, but he sucked in a breath anyway, just to see how she’d react. Her eyes shot up to his, full of concern, and something in his chest ached at how much she cared.  

“I’m fine,” he murmured, his voice softer now.  

She huffed but didn’t look convinced. “You should be more careful.”  

“Occupational hazard.”  

“That doesn’t mean you just ignore it.”  

Chris watched her as she carefully wrapped a bandage around his hand, her lips pressed together in concentration. She was being so gentle with him, her touch so light. He could’ve told her it wasn’t necessary, that he’d been banged up worse a hundred times before—but damn if he didn’t love the way she was fussing over him.  

Her hands lingered for a second after she finished, her thumb brushing over his knuckles. “There,” she murmured. “All better.”  

Chris grinned, flexing his fingers. “Think I’ll live?”  

She rolled her eyes but smiled. “For now.”  

Chris tugged her closer, settling his hands on her hips. “You’re real cute when you worry about me, you know that?”  

Nora flushed. “I’m not cute. I’m being practical.”  

“Mm.” He grinned, tipping his head back to look up at her. “Still cute.”  

She tried to huff, but the pink on her cheeks gave her away.  

Chris pulled her down into his lap, wrapping his arms around her. “You keep fussing over me like this, I might start getting more banged up just for the attention.”  

Nora groaned, burying her face in his shoulder. “You’re impossible.”  

Still, he never once resented that she had gone. He knew how much her grandma meant to her, how important it was for her to spend that time with her. He would never stand in the way of that. But damn, he’d missed his girl.  

Now, standing in the airport, he scanned the crowd restlessly, his heart kicking up the moment he spotted her.  

Nora.  

Her eyes searched the terminal, and the second they landed on him, her whole face lit up.  

Chris barely registered moving, one second, he was standing there, and the next, he was striding toward her, pushing past slow walkers and rolling suitcases like a man on a mission. The second he reached her, she was already reaching for him, and then she was in his arms, small and warm and perfect.  

He held her tight, one hand pressing against the small of her back, the other cradling the back of her head. His lips found her temple, pressing a firm kiss there before murmuring, “Missed you, baby.”  

Nora squeezed him tighter, her face tucked against his neck. “Missed you too,” she breathed.  

Chris let out a quiet exhale, just taking her in. He didn’t realize how badly he had needed this, needed her, until he finally had her back in his arms.  

When she pulled back to look at him, her eyes were bright, her cheeks pink from excitement. “I told my grandma all about you.”  

His brows lifted in surprise, “Yeah?”  

She nodded eagerly, “I couldn’t help it. She kept asking why I was smiling at my phone so much.” She laughed softly, “So I told her. Told her about you, about us.” Her voice softened, “Told her how much I love you.”  

Something deep in Chris’s chest tightened.  

He’d always been the one saying it first, the one making sure she knew exactly how much she meant to him. But hearing her say it, just like that, so easily, like it was the most natural thing in the world, it wrecked him in the best way.  

“Damn,” he muttered, rubbing a hand over the back of his neck as he tried to process the warmth spreading through his chest. “That means a lot, baby.”  

She grinned, “She said you sound wonderful.”  

Chris huffed a laugh, “She’s got good instincts.”  

Nora beamed up at him, and he couldn’t help himself, he bent down, pressing his lips to hers in a slow, lingering kiss. It wasn’t hurried or desperate, just a steady, grounding press, like he was sealing the moment between them.  

When they finally pulled away, he reached for her suitcase, slinging it over his shoulder effortlessly. “C’mon,” he said, his voice low and fond. “Let’s get you home.”  

As they walked toward his truck, Nora slid her fingers between his, gripping his hand tight, like she wasn’t ready to let go just yet. Chris glanced down at her, noticing how her steps slowed a little, her teeth catching her bottom lip like she was mulling over something.  

When they reached his truck, he tossed her bag in the backseat and turned to her, “You okay, baby?”  

She hesitated for half a second before she looked up at him with soft, shy eyes. “Can I stay at your place tonight?”  

Chris felt the breath leave his lungs.  

“I just… I don’t want to be away from you yet,” she admitted, her fingers tightening around his. “I missed you so much, and—I just want to be with you.”  

Damn.   

Chris’s heart ached in the best way. He’d known she missed him, he could hear it in her voice, feel it in the way she held onto him. But hearing her say it outright, knowing she needed him as much as he needed her, hit him deep.  

He reached out, cupping her jaw, his thumb stroking along her cheek. “Of course, baby,” he murmured, tilting his head to press a soft kiss to her lips. “I want you with me, too.”  

She smiled, relieved, and Chris pulled open the truck door for her. The second he slid into the driver’s seat, Nora scooted closer, curling up against him on the bench seat, tucking herself right under his arm.  

Chris let out a breath, pressing a kiss to the top of her head, “You tired?”  

“A little,” she murmured, her hand slipping under his jacket, her fingers brushing over his ribs. “I just missed you. This whole week felt so long.”  

Chris sighed, rubbing his hand along her back. “Yeah,” he admitted, glancing down at her. “Felt long for me, too.”  

“What did you do while I was gone?”  

Chris huffed a quiet laugh, “Worked.”  

She tipped her head back to look at him, “That’s it?”  

“Pretty much.” He smirked, “Picked up a few extra jobs. Figured it’d keep me busy.”  

Nora frowned, her fingers curling into his shirt. “Chris.”  

“What?”  

She sighed, giving him a knowing look, “I hate that you ran yourself into the ground just because I wasn’t here.”  

Chris kissed her forehead, his lips lingering there for a moment. “Didn’t have much else to do,” he murmured, “I’d rather work too much than sit around missing my girl.”  

Nora’s face softened, and then she turned more into him, pressing her lips against the side of his neck. “I’m here now,” she whispered.