Page 12 of Off Limits Mogul

She answers with a slow nod.

“We’re acting like strangers,” I say. “Come here and give me a big hug, Cocoa Puffs.”

Her lips purse into this—admittedly adorable—little unimpressed pout.

“What?” I feign ignorance.

“I’m not a kid anymore, Rhys.”

There’s no mistake she’s all grown up. My body has known that for years. My brain is still fighting with reality.

“I go by Keira these days.”

“Stop arguing with me,Keira,” I say. “Come here.” I don’t give her a choice. I pull her body to mine.

She’s tentative at first. She doesn’t embrace me the way I would’ve hoped, so I tease her, like I used to. “I’m not going to break. Hug me like you mean it.”

She laughs.

Her body softens like melted butter against the hard angles of mine. I don’t hear her sigh. I feel the rise and fall of her chest, and her breath exhaling.

Thank God her cross-body bag acts as a buffer between my chest and her breasts.

I sigh in relief.

I lay my cheek against the top of her head, enfold her tiny body in my arms and inhale deeply.

“You smell like fruity watermelon candy,” I say.

“You can still smell it?” Her voice comes muffled against my chest.

“I can.”

“Michaela and I thought it would be fun to try a new scent of shampoo. It’s popular in Bangkok. I’m not so sure I like it. It’s a little too strong for my taste.”

At least you don’t smell like‘Eau de Vage’.

This was supposed to be a quick hug, but I can’t let go.

She does nothing to break our embrace.

Holding her like this fills my veins with the warm hum of familiarity I missed.

“It’s good to see you again, Keira.”

“Ditto, Rhys. Thanks for taking in a stray kitten,” she says with a little laugh.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way, Cocoa Puffs.” I squeeze her tighter. I close my eyes, relishing the moment.

“Where’s my welcome home hug?” A man chuckles.

Surprised, my heart slams against my chest and my eyes fly open.

A familiar face stares at me, blue eyes squinting into slivers of curiosity.

“Shane, you can’t creep up on people like that,” I say.

“I didn’t creep up on you. If your eyes were open, you would’ve seen me approaching…”