Page 75 of Not Until I Found You

“You look like someone who’s about to have great skin.”

I huff under my breath but shrug into the robe anyway, tying it loosely as I eye the small bowl she’s mixing at the coffee table.

“What is that?” I ask, narrowing my eyes.

“Magic,” she says far too cheerfully.

“It looks like pond water.”

“It’s a clay mask,” she corrects, dipping her fingers into the bowl. “And you’re going to love it.”

“I don’t—” I try to protest, but I’m too late.

Her fingers swipe across my cheek, and I flinch at the thick, gooey texture that smears across my skin. She laughs, completely unbothered, as she smooths the green mixture across my cheeks with careful strokes.

“Hold still,” she scolds lightly when I try to lean away. “You’re going to mess me up.”

I shake my head, but a reluctant smile tugs at my mouth as she steps back to admire her work and bursts out a laugh.

“You look like Shrek.”

“How rude,” I tell her solemnly.

She giggles before shoving a foam divider between my toes and begins to paint them in a chaotic rainbow.

There are a few knocks on the front door before we hear Maxinne’s voice float in from the doorway. “Knock, knock. Is anyone home?”

Sven barks and takes off running toward her. She freezes once she steps into the living room, her eyes growing as they inspect the scene. Maxinne lifts her phone, laughter lighting up her beautiful face, and she snaps a picture.

“Oh, this is getting sent to everyone,” she cackles.

“I take my role as the world’s best uncle very seriously, thank you very much.”

She steps closer, her gaze bouncing between me and Annabelle. “You look…very committed to the role.”

Annabelle beams at Maxinne proudly. “He’ll thank me later.”

Maxinne meets my eyes then, warmth and tenderness shining within them. “I agree.”

Annabelle launches into a question about glitter polish versus glow-in-the-dark, and while Maxinne’s attention shifts to my niece, I take the opportunity to admire her. I haven’t seen much of her this week. Not even on the porch in the mornings, barefoot with a cup of coffee in her hands. Or sitting across from me at the kitchen table, absentmindedly tucking her hair behind her ear while she listens to me talk.

We’ve both been so busy, and the days have felt off without her. My gaze lingers on her now as she leans in toward Annabelle, fully invested in whatever she’s saying, her smile easy.

I’ve missed her.

My gaze drifts lower, taking in her cut-off denim shorts, white tank top, and green flannel rolled to her forearms. She’s not wearing her watch today, exposing the small butterfly tattoo on her wrist. Her hair hangs in a loose braid over one shoulder, a few strands escaping around her face.

She’s so stunning that it gives my heart a painful thud. A reminder that I want all of her laughs, her smiles, and her brown eyes to shine bright with happiness because of me.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Maxinne asks, snapping me out of whatever daze I’ve wandered into.

I shake my head and turn toward Annabelle. “I was thinking that you should join this amazing spa day experience.”

Her wide smile tells me she’s already considered it. Annabelle peers up at her with a hopeful gleam in her eyes. It’s a look that’s hard to resist. Maxinne gives a little shrug and takes the seat next to me on the couch, so close to me that our arms brush against each other.

“You know, I could use a spa day.”

Annabelle claps her hands together excitedly before opening her nail pack and picking out a color for Maxinne. My senses tingle, alerting me that Maxinne’s eyes are on me, and I fight the urge to look back at her, but I give in. As soon as my face turns toward hers, she snaps her attention back to Annabelle.