Page 48 of Starting Back
“It’s all my pleasure. It was, anyway.”
I nodded, darting my eyes away from the sad curve of his lips.
“We’ll talk,” I offered, hating how desperate I sounded but not wanting to bid him a permanent goodbye.
“Sure,” he said with a noncommittal lilt to his response.
“Thanks for everything. The Keys promised an adventure, and I guess I got one.” I sputtered out a laugh.
He took my face in his hands and covered my mouth with a soft kiss, lingering long enough to halt my heartbeat. He smiled into the kiss as he pulled away, sliding his hand to the back of my neck and giving it a squeeze.
“Remember what I said when you get home.”
“Remember what I said after I go. Take care of yourself, Leo.”
“You too, Kristina. And,” he sighed, shutting his eyes for a second, “thank you. This was an adventure for me too. It’s been amazing to know you.”
I smiled through the sting in my chest as I grabbed the handle of my suitcase and dragged it toward check-in.
It was both the best and worst thing he could have said. We were a moment in time—moment an all too perfect term. And now that moment was over.
I didn’t check to see if Leo was watching me walk away. Forward had to be my destination, and I could only hope my foray into glorious fiction would push me into a better reality.
NINETEEN
KRISTINA
“Kris, over here!”
I turned toward my sister-in-law’s voice as I exited the airport terminal. Peyton waved her hands over her head, her round belly, slightly bigger than I remembered from only a few days ago, straining against the long tank she wore over denim shorts.
“My brother sent his pregnant wife to come pick me up?” I padded over to the back of her car to shove my bags into the open trunk.
“His pregnant wife wanted the scoop before I took you home and we had to keep it PG.” She clasped her hands under her chin. “You look so amazing. Pretty and tanned and…maybe rested from your sleepover?”
I groaned when her brows jumped.
“Emma didn’t let that drop, did she?”
“Nope. She said she only saw your friend for a second, but he had drawings on his arm.” She brought me in for a hug after I closed the trunk. “Everyone is waiting for you, so I wouldn’t be able to get any of the good details. We’re taking the long way home.”
I said nothing as I piled into the passenger seat, refusing to acknowledge her wide grin. When I dragged my gaze to hers, her brown eyes danced as she tapped on the steering wheel.
“All this excitement isn’t good for the baby.”
She waved a hand at me and started the engine.
“I can’t help it if I’m excited for you. I know how hard it was for you toward the end. My husband should only know what an asshole Colin was to you.”
“Oh, I heard from Colin. He called to let me know what a selfish, reckless thing it was to vacation alone when I had kids to consider.”
Peyton grunted as she changed lanes.
“You should really think about letting Jake kick his ass.”
“It’s all over and not worth Jake’s time and energy. I can handle Colin. I told him to basically fuck off. Then,” I exhaled, biting back a smile, “Leo gave me my third orgasm of the day, and I was able to relax.”
“Third?” She glanced at me, her eyes saucer-wide. “Holy shit. Now that is what I call a spectacular vacation. I have so many questions, but first, when are you going to see him again?”
