Elara's words, breathed like a hot oath against my neck, sent a violent flush across my face.
When I had snapped that picture of the toast, it had seemed like a simple, sweet gesture. Now, under the weight of her dark, focused gaze, it felt unbearably, accidentally provocative.
My head hung low, red hair shielding my burning face. Yet, the sting of the day's silence still prickled. I pouted, my voice a small, grumbling rasp.
"But you didn't even reply... I thought you didn't care."
"I came running the second I saw it because I missed you so much I couldn't breathe," she whispered, her hands tightening on my waist. "I skipped a board meeting just to find you."
The disappointment melted instantly, replaced by a surge of warmth that made my heart flutter. My lips loosened into a helpless smile, the sulkiness vanishing as if it had never existed.
In contrast, the smile faded from her lips.
