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"And then," Zola says, gesticulating wildly with her fork, "Ms. Johnson told us we could paint anything we wanted! So I made a big purple dragon eating ice cream!"
Penelope giggles, nearly choking on her water. "That sounds so cool! I wish I could see it."
"Maybe we can have an art day soon," Chloe suggests, giving me a quick glance. I nod in agreement, already imagining the chaos—and fun—that would ensue.
I catch Chloe's eye across the table. Her cheeks are flushed from the wine, her eyes bright with mirth. We share a warm, amused smile, and I feel a surge of connection between us. In this moment, surrounded by the girls' giggles and the cozy atmosphere of our shared meal, I realize how right this feels. How natural. How much like home.
Dinner passes by quickly. Zola and Penelope are far more excited to run off and play than eat their vegetables—and honestly, I can't even blame them. That leaves Chloe and I to do clean-up together.
But I don't mind. It gives us some alone time, something we rarely get with our kids racing around. She puts leftovers away into the fridge while I handle dishes.
Once I'm done, I pull away from the sink, drying my hands on a nearby towel. The sound of the girls' laughter echoes from Zola's room, bringing a smile to my face. Turning to Chloe, I catch her eyes.
"Thanks for helping," I say, moving closer to her.
She smiles, reaching for another plate. "It's the least I can do after that amazing meal."
As she stretches to put the plate away, I step behind her, placing my hands on either side of her against the counter. The scent of her perfume envelops me, making my head spin.
"Chloe," I whisper, my voice thick with emotion.
She turns, looking up at me with those beautiful green eyes that never fail to take my breath away. The kitchen suddenly feels electric, charged with unspoken feelings and desires. The air between us crackles with tension, and I can't hold back anymore.
Without thinking, I lean in, closing the gap between us. My large hand cups her cheek as I capture her lips with mine, savoring the softness and warmth. It's like a dam breaking, all our pent-up emotions rushing out in this one perfect moment.
The world around us fades away as Chloe responds, wrapping her arms around my neck and deepening the kiss. Her lips are soft and warm against mine, and I can taste the hint of wine from dinner. My hands move to her waist, pulling her closer as the kiss intensifies.
Time seems to stand still as we lose ourselves in the moment. The warmth of Chloe's body against mine, the gentle pressure of her lips, the way her fingers tangle in my hair – it all feels perfect.
When we finally break apart, both slightly breathless, I rest my forehead against hers. Chloe's cheeks are flushed, her eyes sparkling with joy and something more – a promise of what could be.
"Wow," she breathes, a smile playing on her lips.
I chuckle softly, running my thumb along her cheek. "Yeah, wow."
She glances around the kitchen, pressing her lips into a thin line.
"Well, uh… I think that's everything," Chloe says, her voice soft and a little breathless.
I nod, wanting nothing more than to lean in again. We stand there for a moment, just looking at each other, neither of us wanting to break the spell.
The sound of running feet breaks the silence as Zola and Penelope burst into the kitchen, giggling and out of breath.
"Mommy, can we stay a little longer?" Penelope asks, her eyes wide and pleading.
Chloe glances at her watch and then at me. "It's getting late, sweetie. We should probably head home."
"Come back anytime," I say, sending her a knowing look that she matches with one of her own.
"We will," she promises. "We won't stay away for long."
Good, I think to myself, watching with half-lidded eyes as Chloe and Penelope take their leave.Because I want her here every day of the week.
CHAPTER 13
Chloe
Ilie in bed, my mind replaying the events of the evening at Rendal's house. The warmth of his smile, the sound of our shared laughter, and the tenderness of his kiss—it all swirls in my thoughts, making my heart flutter with a mixture of excitement and nervousness.
