“She missed you,” I whispered.
Rodion leaned in and pressed his lips to mine in a deep, unhurried kiss.
“Yes?” he murmured when he pulled back, his mouth still close enough for me to feel his breath.
“She’s very excited about this date.”
He kissed me again, slower this time, his lips curving against mine. “And?”
“She’s happy to see you,” I said, and his low chuckle brushed across my skin. “And how’s my man?”
Rodion’s eyes searched my face as if he were memorizing me all over again. “He feels at home now.”
I smiled and whispered. “Yes?”
“He missed you,” he breathed. “More than you’ll ever know.”
He dipped his head and claimed my lips again. This time, his tongue slid into my mouth, deep and hungry. The kiss carried the warmth I had missed for the entire week he’d been away. When he finally drew back, his forehead rested lightly against mine.
“You look beautiful.”
“Thank you.” I glanced down at my red fitted dress. “And you look neat.”
He smiled back and took my hand, guiding me toward the table. He pulled out a chair, and I sat, placing the bouquet and the small shopping bag on the table. Rodion took his seat across from me.
My eyes drifted to the table in the far corner. “That was our table last time,” I said.
He followed my gaze. “Do you want to sit there?”
“No, I was just looking.” I exhaled. “But why are we alone on this floor?”
“I bought the restaurant,” he said.
I froze. “You what?”
“You chose this one for our date that day. That means you loved it,” he declared.
A waiter approached with our wine, and I let him pour and left before I asked, “So you bought it?”
“Yes, darling.” He leaned back, looking all relaxed while I tried to process how impossible he could be. “And the boutique where you bought the dress you wore that night.”
My mouth fell open. “Rodion?”
“They’re yours.” He took a calm sip of wine and changed the subject as if we had been discussing the weather. “How’s work?”
I perked up, a small smile tugging at my lips. “I love it. The other employees are really nice too.”
He raised a brow. “And the pay? I hope it’s not some nonsense amount.”
I groaned and rolled my eyes. “Here you go again.” I took a slow sip of my wine. “Always the auditor.”
His mouth curved slightly, and I caught the soft look in his eyes as he watched me. “Do you have to work?”
“I’m not having this discussion again. What do you expect me to do, stay home bored while you’re out there working?”
“Travel,” he said, and I laughed.
“That sounds amazing, but we could travel together once in a while. On weekends, maybe. I still have to keep my job.”