Page 167

“Good girl,” I say. “What about you, James?”

He flips through all the pages he has left.

“I’m never going to finish all this,” he exclaims dramatically. “It’s too much.”

“You got this, buddy,” I say, ruffling his hair. “Rosalie, see if your brother needs any help. I’ll go get the chocolate from the pantry.”

“Slow poke,” Rosalie says, moving her stool closer toward her brother.

“Rosalie, be nice,” I say.

“I’m always nice,” the girl says.

I shake my head and head toward the pantry. We had board game night a few days ago for which I made homemadepretzels and hot chocolate. The kids have been requesting the hot chocolate every night since, knowing that I’m going to eventually cave.

I don’t blame them. It’s perfect hot chocolate weather.

I step inside the walk-in pantry. It’s basically a mini grocery store, with wheels of cheese and enough snacks to sustain us in the event of an apocalypse. I reach for the good chocolate bars that Helena keeps hidden on the top shelf. They’re too high up for me, so I have to use the ladder.

I take two large chocolate bars. As I’m about to descend, my foot catches on one of the rungs of the ladder. I try to steady myself, but the momentum takes me down anyway.

Strong arms catch me before I can fall.

His thick arm bands around my waist. His fingers splay over my ribs, holding me possessively.

“Precious cargo,” Klaus whispers against my temple.

He lifts me like I’m a doll and sets me on my feet.

“You’re home early,” I say, turning around to face him.

“I couldn’t stop thinking about you all day,” he says, looking into my eyes. There’s a desperation there, like he’s making sure I’m okay.

“Me too,” I whisper, trying to breathe normally and failing.

He buries his face against my neck and breathes me in.

I arch into him, allowing him to take whatever he needs from me. My fingers are lost in his soft hair as he kisses my neck.

“How was your day, Klaus?” I ask.

“Infinitely better now that I’m with you,” he says.

A laugh tumbles from my lips. He pulls away to look at me.

“What?” I say, trapping my bottom lip between my teeth.

His hands are reverent on my waist, holding me like I’m something he wants to spend the rest of his life worshipping.

I remind myself to stay grounded, but every little moment I spend with this man gives me wings.

“Let me take you out on a date,” he says. “Tomorrow evening. Just the two of us.”

I see stars glinting in his eyes. I see hope, uncertainty, pain. I see everything his mouth refuses to say.

“It’s Friday evening,” I say.

He swallows. “Do you have other plans?”