Page 126 of Valentine’s Billionaire Auction

She laughed. “Nope, but I just sold my book and got a signing bonus for my next one. Let’s hope it doesn’t flop.”

“As if it would,” I said.

We walked into a corridor meant for employees only.

I turned to face her. “I can’t believe you’re here.”

“I wasn’t sure I was going to come, but I wanted to see you. See how you were doing.”

“Better now that you’re here.”

Her eyes searched mine, seeking sincerity, perhaps a hint of the cold, ruthless asshole I used to be. “I’m here for more than just that. I need to tell you something important.”

My heart dropped. “What is it?”

“I’ve missed you.”

Relief washed over me.

I laughed, the tension of uncertainty melting away into something warm and comforting. “I’ve missed you, too. More than you could possibly know.”

Kaira squeezed my hand, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “Then it’s really not just me?” Her voice was a whisper, vulnerable and filled with hope.

“Not just you,” I confirmed, tightening my grip on her hand. “It’s been a long year. Too many mornings wondering what could have been if things had gone differently.”

She nodded slowly. “We’ve both changed, I think. Grown up a bit, maybe learned a few things about what we want. And what we can’t live without.”

I nodded. “I think you’re right. And maybe this time around, we can do better by each other.”

Her eyes sparkled again, that mischievous glint returning. “So, where are we going on our date? I believe I have you for the next few hours.”

“Baby, you have me for a lot longer than that,” I said. “I was going to take the lucky woman that bought me out to dinner, but I’m not interested in a seven-course meal. I’m only interested in dessert.”

“Thank God,” she said with a laugh. “Me too. Please tell me Anthony is around here somewhere waiting to take you home.”

“He is.”

“Lead the way, Mr. Kelly.”

49

KAIRA

As we made our way toward the service exit, a flutter of nervous excitement danced in my chest. Every step I took alongside him felt surreal, like stepping back into a dream I thought had dissolved with the morning sun. Despite his reassurances, part of me still braced for the moment he would change his mind, the moment this bubble would burst.

Anthony was leaning against a sleek, black car, his presence as unassuming as ever but his eyes flickered with a hint of surprise as we approached. “Evening, Kaira,” he greeted with a nod that was both respectful and slightly amused. “Nice to see you again.”

“Evening, Anthony,” I returned the gesture, feeling a small thrill at being included in this slice of his life again. “Nice to see you too.”

Anthony opened the car door for us. As I slid into the leather seat beside Roman, I realized how much I had missed these simple moments—the comfortable silence, the shared glances, the underlying excitement of just being near him.

He settled next to me, our hands finding each other instinctively. The car pulled away smoothly, and the city lights blurred past us as Anthony drove us out to Roman’s estate. I rested my head on his shoulder. I couldn’t explain how good it felt to be in his presence again. My life had been full and busy, but it wasn’t complete. He just had a way of making me feel whole.

Neither of us talked. I knew there was still a lot to say, but we had time. For now, I was content to sit here with him and just enjoy the moment.

“You look good in a tux,” I commented.

He chuckled. “You’re not so bad yourself in that dress,” he replied, his eyes scanning me. “I mean it, Kaira. You look stunning.”