I didn’t know if I should roll my eyes at that or melt a little more over how much time Ryan spent worrying about my comfort. I loved that he wanted to take care of me, but he needed to realize I could do most things for myself. And while it irritated me—a little—that he didn’t want me to lift so much as a finger, it made my heart hope that it meant he cared for me more than as just his best friend.

“Thanks, Oliver. Will I see you at the end of the summer for my return trip home?”

He bowed his head. “I sincerely hope so. As always, it was a pleasure to serve you on this flight.”

After fastening my seat belt, I put my book in my purse. Moments later, we were on the ground and I had my gaze trained out the window, looking for any sign of Ryan. When I caught sight of the three blacked-out SUVs, my heart jumped in excitement, but I told myself to take it easy. If I got up before the door was even opened, he could possibly suspect that my feelings for him went deeper than those of a best friend. I’d done my best to keep my crush from him, but it was getting harder and harder every time I saw him after weeks and months apart.

It was a lesson in willpower as I waited for Oliver to open the door and then step back. But once he was out of the way, I couldn’t hold back another second. Grabbing my purse, I stuffed my phone into the side pocket and slung the strap over myself like a crossbody and sprinted off the aircraft.

As soon as I got to the door, I saw Ryan waiting at the bottom of the steps. He was dressed in a tailored suit, his hair pushed back from his face, and a pair of aviators covering his dark eyes. The very sight of him eased the ache deep in my chest that was constantly present when we were apart. Unable to hide my happy cry, I ran down the stairs and threw myself into his arms before I reached the last few steps.

I molded my body around his, my legs wrapping around his waist and my arms clinging to his neck. There had never been a time when I hadn’t greeted him exactly like this. It was our tradition, and as soon as his hands caught my hips, holding me in place, I felt like I was home.

But instead of laughing like he always did, he groaned, his large hands squeezing my flesh and holding me against him a little harder than usual. My heart started racing at the unusual—yet completely welcomed—way he was holding me. I held my breath, waiting to see what he did next.

I felt his cheek press to the side of my head, heard his deep inhale as if trying to trap my scent inside him. I tightened my legs around him instinctively, combing my fingers through his hair in a soothing, inviting way I’d noticed Delaney doing to Max right before they kissed.