I make my way back home, but before I go in I pull out my phone to text Olivia. Her flight is due to take off soon so I hope she sees my message.

Me: I know you don’t want me picking you up from the airport but can you please let me send a ride for you?

I stop midstretch when I see her response come through.

Olivia: Depends, what are the chances of you showing up and kidnapping me if I don’t agree?

Me: Who told you? *runs to hide the zip ties and duct tape*

Olivia: LOL

Olivia: Look you don’t have to try to be nice to me, Kai

Olivia: I don’t deserve it

My heart seizes at that.

Me: You deserve nothing but the best in this world, Olivia.

Me: It’s just a ride, nothing more

Five minutes go by before she answers.

Olivia: Okay.

Olivia: Thank you.

I let out a sigh of relief and send a text to Shane letting him know he can pick Olivia up but to keep his hands and eyes to himself. The asshole has the nerve to ask me if I want him to drive blindfolded too. I put my phone away and head inside before I cuss him out.

Shane: The eagle has landed. I repeat the eagle has landed.

Twenty minutes later.

Shane: Package has been secured.

Jesus. Why am I friends with this guy?

Me: Bro, stop being so weird about it

Shane: Just thought you’d want live updates. Gotta go, I’ve got precious cargo in the car

What a jackass.

The next day, I’m at my office waiting for Olivia to arrive. We agreed to meet here so I can see how her knee is looking and assess where she is. Physical therapy is going to be limited at the beginning to allow for initial healing, but I need to see what we’re working with now.

She let me know when she arrived safely yesterday and that was the extent of our conversation. I don’t know what to expect from her, but I’m ready for anything.

A knock on my office door has me standing at attention. Faith, my office manager, lets me know that Olivia is here, so I rush out and there she is. My past, my present, and my future looking me right in my face.

Her chocolate eyes are still giant pools of wonder that I can easily get lost in, though they look more tired than they used to. She has on a white crew sweatshirt and a pair of matching athletic shorts, leaving her perfectly toned legs on display. Her hair, currently pulled back into a sleek low ponytail, is still so dark it almost resembles ink, but you can catch the glimpses of natural copper in certain lighting. There’s not a single blemish on her walnut-brown skin. She’s absolutely perfect.