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I stared at the screen trying to think of the right response. Butterflies took flight in my stomach knowing I'd be seeing him again.
Biting my lip, I finally texted back.
How about tonight? My place?
He responded immediately. He'd been waiting. I smiled, taking satisfaction in that.
Coach: I will be there at 8.
Coach: See you later.
I checked my watch.
It was 7:57 and I was edgy with impatience. Kova would be here any minute.
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I shook my fingers out. My nerves climbed as the clock ticked by. I'd dropped Dad and Sophia off at the airport earlier. We’d said our goodbyes, and I drove back to my condo, sweating to death from anxiety that I was going to see Kova. Would he still be that Kova? Would I still be Ria to him?
I had kept busy with the last of the boxes I had left to pack, then took a quick shower since I'd gotten so clammy after the drive home from the airport. I’d dressed and even added a touch of mascara to my lashes and a plum tint to my cheeks. The blush helped offset the dusting of freckles on the bridge of my nose.
I walked into the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water. I'd been so parched lately, but that was due to not getting the daily ounces of water I needed since I was sleeping twenty hours a day. I'd have to start counting my meals and fluids again just to make sure I was getting the proper nutrients. Uncapping the bottle, my hand shook a little as I brought it to my mouth. I took a long pull then recapped it. Kova was going—
Knock. Knock. Knock.
My eyes widened as heat instantly prickled down my spine.
My heart froze.
I stared at the door for another long second then walked around the kitchen counter, nervous to answer it. While I had no idea which version of Kova stood on the other side of the door, I was excited and couldn’t rub the smile off my face. I brushed a lock of hair behind my ear before I reached for the knob. Inhaling a deep pull of air, my heart was pulsating in my throat as the door opened and our eyes met.
He was still as handsome as ever.
I wasn't going to hide how I felt toward him. Not at this point. He could see through my gentle gaze and soft smile. I was looking at him with a love no one would ever stand a chance against. Kova was my everything and he'd never doubt it.
Sophia was right. I was emotional over my decision.
It'd been almost one full month since I'd last seen Kova. I didn't love him any less. He was similar to the ruined man who had left me behind in his hotel room, only he wasn't. Something was different about him. He looked ragged and worn down, but there was a peaceful aura around him in the midst of my chaos that soothed me. I was drawn to it.
All these feelings hit me at once as my eyes shifted back and forth between his.
The stupid man that I loved so much was looking at me with a stare I hadn't felt the weight of in so long. The plea in his gaze made me want to do anything for him again. He blinked and the struggle was there. He was dying inside without me, like I was without him. Kova was trying so hard to do what was right. The problem with that was he forgot about himself and what he wanted too.
I pushed the door back and welcomed him in.
I had to break the craving I got when Kova looked at me. I was all the things he needed from someone to give him, and I liked that I was. It made me feel good about myself because I grew stronger when he did. He was an addiction that I would always chase first.
"Adrianna," he said, and I felt my cheeks blush.
I locked the door, then slowly dragged my eyes up to his. "Hey."
"It is good to see you. I have missed you." Kova raked his eyes down the length of my body. "You look good."
"Likewise."
My ears were warm. I slipped my hands into the back pockets of my shorts and rocked on my toes and heels. I was nervous to take the step toward him even though that stupid organ in my chest was begging me to.
"How did you know I was here? When we were in Greece, I told you I was leaving."
