This is what I didn’t know I was missing. This. This feeling of rightness, of completion, of home.
“Damn, that was some dessert, Ryan,” she murmurs, and I can hear the smile in her voice.
I chuckle, pressing a kiss to her hair. “Are you ready for seconds already?”
“Maybe.” She laughs softly, then her voice goes quieter. “I can’t stay up too late. I’m driving to Atlanta tomorrow morning to meet with my lawyer.”
My chest tightens. Right. Atlanta. Her real life. The one that doesn’t include me or Peachwood Grove or whatever this thing between us is becoming.
“Just for the day?” I manage to keep my voice steady.
She shifts to look at me, her hand resting over my heart. “That’s the plan. Only for the day.”
She kisses me gently, and I hold her closer, memorizing the weight of her in my arms, the way she fits against me as if she was made for this spot.
My heart is swelling with emotions I’m not ready to name—emotions that feel too big, too fast, too dangerous for someone who’s only here temporarily.
But as she settles back against my chest, her breathing evening out toward sleep, one truth becomes crystal clear; Ember Harper has claimed a piece of my soul tonight.
And when she leaves—because she will leave—I’m not sure I’ll ever get it back.
Chapter 8
Smoldering Truths
Ember
The rental car hums as I drive along the winding roads, leaving Peachwood Grove behind. The town, with its weeping willows and magnolia trees, fades into the rearview mirror, replaced by the rolling hills and open roads leading to Atlanta. The sky is a brilliant blue that stretches endlessly above me.
I glance at the clock on the dashboard. It’s a little past 10 AM. The drive should take about an hour and a half, depending on traffic, plenty of time to let my thoughts wander.
Ryan’s face lingers in my mind, as do his warm brown eyes and that easy smile. Our time together has been like something out of one of my romance novels—unexpected, passionate, and full of chemistry. Last night, I felt precious and worshiped. The memory of Ryan’s strong hands, his mouth, the way he touched me like I was something sacred—it sends heat through me even now. God, that man is dangerous to my resolve.
I can still feel his touch on my skin, the way he held me close as if afraid I’d disappear if he let go.
But reality looms ahead, as daunting as the skyscrapers marking Atlanta’s skyline. My responsibilities in Atlanta awaitme; the unfinished projects, the clients counting on me, and Marcus’s looming presence.
I grip the steering wheel tighter, taking a deep breath to steady myself. I’ve faced challenges before; this is only another one to navigate.
As I drive through the familiar streets of Atlanta, I can’t help longing for Peachwood Grove’s slower pace and close-knit community. It’s strange how quickly a place—and a person—can feel like home.
My phone buzzes on the passenger seat, and I glance over to see Ryan’s name flash across the screen. A smile tugs at my lips as I reach for it.
“Hey,” I answer, trying to keep my voice steady despite the rush of emotions flooding me.
“Hey yourself.” Ryan’s deep voice is warm and reassuring. “I wanted to check in. How’s the drive going?”
“It’s good,” I reply. “I’m in the city limits.”
There’s a pause on the other end, and I can almost picture him running a hand through his thick light brown hair, his jaw tight and his brows furrowed in thought.
“The house feels too quiet without you,” he admits softly.
“I miss you too,” I confess.
We talk a bit more before ending the call. I let his words linger in my mind. Right now, knowing he longs for me is all I need as I return to my Atlanta existence, guiding the car into the concrete parking structure.
My heels click against the polished floor as I stride into the law office, my tablet clutched to my chest like armor, with my boho bag on my shoulder. Atlanta’s skyline stretches through the glass walls—a reminder of everything I’m leaving behind, and for a moment, my heart aches.
