I pull her closer, wrapping my arms around her waist as she rests her head against my chest. We stand like that for a long time, watching the sun begin its descent toward the horizon, casting long shadows across the grounds of a legacy I’m only beginning to understand.
Tomorrow, we go to Alberta, to face whatever final surprise my father has arranged for us. But tonight, I hold Kori and let myself believe that maybe—just maybe—something good can come from all this deception and loss.
Something real.
Chapter 32
Kori
The next morning, I wake to sunlight streaming through the curtains, pushing my hair out of my face, I sit up and take in the guest room I’ve been given. It’s beautiful in that old-money way—antique furniture, silk bedding, artwork that probably costs more than my car—a stark contrast to the cozy charm of Wavecrest.
A soft knock at the door pulls me from my thoughts.
“Come in,” I called, pulling the covers up to my chin, suddenly conscious of my pajamas—an oversized t-shirt and shorts that weren’t meant for anyone else’s eyes.
The door opens to reveal Kane, already dressed in jeans and a Henley that hugs his broad shoulders in a way that makes my mouth go dry. He’s carrying a tray with coffee and what appear to be fresh pastries.
“Morning,” he says, kicking the door closed behind him. “Thought you might wantbreakfast before facing the MacGallan inquisition downstairs.”
“My hero,” I say, making grabby hands at the coffee. “How are you doing this morning?”
He sets the tray on the bedside table and sits on the edge of the mattress, close enough that I can smell his soap and something uniquely him. “Better than expected, actually. Had some time to process everything.”
I take a sip of the coffee—perfect, with just the right amount of milk—and study him over the rim of the mug. “And?”
“And I’ve been thinking,” he says, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. The casual intimacy of the gesture sends a shiver down my spine. “Declan wants to postpone Alberta for a week. Apparently, some estate matters need handling first.”
“How do you feel about that?”
He shrugs, his hand lingering near my face. “Honestly? I’m relieved. I need some time before facing whatever’s waiting for us there.”
“So we’re staying here? At the estate?” I ask, trying to ignore the way my skin tingles where his fingers brushed it.
“For a week, yeah.” His eyes meet mine, something warm and questioning in their depths. “Unless you’d rather go back to Toronto? Deal withMark and everything?”
I shake my head quickly. “No. Definitely not ready for that.”
“Good,” he says softly. His thumb traces my cheekbone, and I find myself leaning into his touch. “Because I’m not ready to let you go yet.”
The air between us shifts, charged with something that’s been building since that first kiss in the Irish rain. I set my coffee down carefully, not trusting my suddenly trembling hands.
“Kane,” I start, not sure what I’m going to say next.
He leans closer, his breath warm against my lips. “Yes?”
“I—” Whatever I was about to say disappears as his mouth meets mine, soft and questioning at first, then more insistent as I respond. My hands find their way to his shoulders, pulling him closer until he’s half on top of me, the covers between us suddenly an unwelcome barrier.
When we break apart, we’re both breathing hard. His eyes are darker now, pupils dilated with desire.
“We should slow down,” I say, though my body is screaming the opposite.
“Is that what you want?” he asks, his voice rough in a way that makes heat pool low in my belly.
I consider the question seriously. What do Iwant? I’m technically still married, though that marriage is undeniably over. I barely know Kane, though in some ways I feel I know him better than people I’ve known for years. And there’s no denying the chemistry between us, the pull that’s been there from the start.
“No,” I admit finally. “Slowing down is the last thing I want.”
His smile is slow and devastating. “Good. Because I’ve been thinking about this—about you—since that first day on the plane.”
