The feel of him without actually seeing him is too intense. Just the thought of turning and finding out that it was all in my imagination shreds me apart.

His masculine chuckle echoes behind me. I’ve never in my life been so happy to hear someone’s voice. Goosebumps cover my skin.

I finally gather the courage to whirl around on the chair, a shiver running through me. My lips part at the image before me.

“Hi,” Elias whispers, looking at me like I’m some kind of hurt puppy.

The dogs run to him, their tails wagging with excitement. He bends down and pets them. Avocado vocalizes his feelings, jumping on him and letting him know between kisses just how much his absence hurt him.

“Hi,” I say, my voice cracking and tears filling my eyes.

I run to him, desperate to fall into those strong arms. And I fucking hate hugs. He drops his bags and wraps his arms around my waist, lifting me a little before dropping me back down.

He smells so good. I breathe him in. He’s here. He’s really here. I knew I missed him, but I hadn’t realized how much until now.

My hands shake as I grab him tighter, not wanting to let him go, afraid he’ll turn around and leave me again.

He kisses my hair and rests his face there for a while, inhaling my scent as I inhale his. He puts his chin on the top of my head, sighing peacefully.

“I’ve missed you too,” he says.

I lean my head back to look at him. He’s painfully beautiful. My heart beats like crazy and I know he’s looking into my eyes, but mine are roaming over his face, taking in every detail. I press my mouth to his without warning and he kisses me back.

“You’re a dick,” I huff, smacking my forehead onto his broad chest.

He nods. “Came back with a finished project ready to be sold, though.”

“What? What project?” I reply instantly, taking a step back.

Elias smirks, putting his hands in his jeans pockets and rocking on his feet. “Tree therapy will be a real thing by the end of the year.”

I gasp at that, knowing how much it means to him. For months, any time I wasn’t in his presence, he was locked up in his office, making it all possible. He didn’t tell me exactly what he was working on and I didn’t ask.

“Holy shit,” I say, and he lights up that beautiful grin of his. “But how?”

“Henry Evans and Vanessa Scott finally replied to one of my emails, which explained the idea, and they agreed to meet me. With one condition.”