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She falters and then sighs. “You’re right. I’m not okay. I’m angry and I need something to distract my mind. Your presence is not required for me to do that. But Rowan’s grieving. He just buried his mom. His world will never be the same. Between the two of us, Rowan needs you more right now.”
I glance away.
Nova ducks her head to maintain eye contact. “You know that. You just feel guilty about leaving me to tackle this myself.”
“I want to be there for you both. I hate that I can’t be in two places at once.”
“You are.” She gestures to the ceiling. “When I’m here, Adam, you’re all around me. Everything you’ve built, everything you value and believe in, I can see it. I can feel it. YouareVision Tech. Every time I step inside this building, it’s like I’m getting a hug from you.”
I put a hand on her forehead.
She lifts her lips slightly. “What are you doing?”
“Checking if you have a fever. The Nova I love isn’t so articulate with her feelings.” I freeze when I realize I let the ‘L’ word slip so casually.
Stupid.I’d meant to say that in a more romantic setting. Preferably with candles and roses and a hired orchestra. And a stack of stationary to offer as a bribe.
Not like this.
The day of Alexa’s funeral.
The day Nova’s sister broke into Vision Tech.
The possible worst day of all days.
“Uh…” I rub the back of my neck.
To my surprise, Nova steps forward and closes her arms around me. Her fingers skate over the fabric of my shirt, the warmth of it touching my skin. I feel lightning course through me like a storm.
“If you take it back, I’m going to revolt.”
My lips curl up in a lopsided smirk.
Her eyes are shining at me. “You know what I realized when we were apart?”
“What?”
“I’m your darlin’, but you’re mine too. My sweet darlin’.”
I squeeze her tighter, torn between utter shock and massive pleasure. Whoisthis Nova? How can she swing from brutally cold and calculative to this purring, feminine goddess?
I close my eyes to keep from drowning in a sea of warmth.
“I love you, Adam.”
My eyes burst open.
I nearly stumble from the unexpectedness of it.
“I don’t know how it happened or when the exact moment was, but I do.” Nova eases away just a fraction, enough to smile up at me. “You’re a good man. A way better man than someone as prickly as me deserves. I love how patient you are with me. How you’re always taking care of me and others. I love the way you get lost in your inventions and how casual you are about your genius brain. I love that you’re a good dad to Rowan. I love you. Do you hear me?”
The elevator doors close.
Nova turns in my arms and slaps the button to open it again.
I hug her from behind and kiss her ear. “I love you more.”
“Not possible.” She faces me.
