Page 4 of The Warmth of Our Closest Star

Peter’s door opening scared my thoughts of food away.

“Sorry,” Peter chirped as he slid into the driver’s seat. “That was just work.”

“Is everything okay?”

He waved me off as he closed his door. “Of course. They were just confirming some details of an account that—”

Peter’s head turned and our eyes met.

“What?” I asked.

“Nothing.” He shook his head with a laugh. “Boring stuff. This is my first vacation in a long time. Let’s focus on us.”

“Okay.”

“What do you want to do first?” Peter reached out to grab the hand I had resting on the console between us, thought better of it, and retracted his hand.

My cheeks felt warm. “If it’s not too much to ask…”

Peter searched my eyes.

“I would like for you to do what you were just about to do.”

Smiling broadly, Peter didn’t hesitate to lace his fingers through mine.

“Better?”

“Better,” I said.

“Now what?” He grinned wickedly.

My cheeks grew warmer.

“You’re adorable,” he said.

“You have gotten more handsome.”

“Liar. You have as well. You’ve gained some weight.”

“Is…is that okay?”

“You’re perfect. Then and now.”

Though this did nothing for the warmth in my cheeks, I couldn’t help but grin.

“I’m so glad you’re here, Enzo.” He sighed.

“I’m glad as well.”

The world could have passed us by, the entire two weeks of my vacation, but with Peter’s hand in mine, I wouldn’t have felt it was wasted. Sitting inside of the car in the giant parking structure, listening to other people’s travels echo in my ears was fine. Peter’s hand was in mine. Again. Finally.

“What should we do first?” Peter asked.

Husky and ragged, his voice seemed stuck in his throat as his eyes gazed into mine. I desperately wanted to mention anything other than my hunger, but my stomach made a decision for me. Rumbling from my gut broke my staring contest with Peter. He glanced down at my stomach and an amused smile came to his lips.

“I’m a little hungry,” I said.

“I see—hear that,” he said. “What would my prince from The Great White North wish to eat?”