I have a pep in my step as I saunter back toward Stone’s office. He told me last night that he had these meetings all day today, and when I texted him this morning, he informed me that he has an incredibly long and boring meeting that was taking up most of his afternoon. An evil plan formed in my mind immediately, and as soon as my last class was over for the day, I practically ran down here.

I’ve spent a lot of time since he spent the night thinking over everything he told me and figuring out how I felt about all of it. I’m still not completely over everything… but to me, that makes sense. It’s five years’ worth of hurt. It’s not going to go away overnight. But I also can’t deny this pull I have to him, and how right it feels when we’re together. Why make myself miserable staying away from him?

And what better way to tell him my decision than showing him with a bold statement?

Stopping in front of his office, I twist the brass handle softly and push the door open. I’m thankful the blinds he has on the windows on either side of the door are closed today. Works in my favor. His deep, rich voice hits my ears the minute the door is opened, and I slip inside quietly.

As I’m closing the door, a thought pops into my head and I suddenly wonder if his meeting is a video chat or if it’s just a conference call.

Guess we’re about to find out.

His gaze lifts from his screen, eyes widening slightly before a grin splits on his face. He holds his finger up to his mouth, silently telling me to be quiet. Must not be a video call. I nod my head as my lip curls into a smirk. My skin feels electric, and my body is vibrating as I close the distance between us.

This is a risk. He very well could put a stop to this before I even have a chance to get started, but I hope not. When I round his desk, he turns in his chair to face me, and I lean down, placing a kiss on his lips—a tame one. His body stiffens as our mouths touch. Clearly taken by surprise, but kissing me back nonetheless.

His usual leather and spice scent wraps around me like a warm blanket, and it makes my insides light up. Nobody has ever been able to make me feel simultaneously calm and giddy from their scent alone, until him. Smelling him calms my nerves, settles my mind, and excites me all in the same breath.