Page 74 of Anyone But You

“There’s nothing strenuous about using my tongue.”

“As wonderful as that sounds, I need you in a different way.”

“How can I be of service?” he asked. I could tell he was trying to keep the concern out of his voice, but he couldn’t hide it on his face.

“I’m scared shitless right now, and I don’t know how you’re not. I never thought I’d be on a plane again.”

“You’re nervous about flying, of course. I’m nervous, too.”

“You don’t seem like it. You’re business as usual.”

“Honestly, I was using business as a distraction. I don’t want to be on this metal bird as much as you. The only thing that’s keeping me from shitting a brick is knowing you’re near. Actually, you’re too far away. Come sit with me.”

I smiled wryly. “You’re clingy.”

“Says the woman who climbed into the hospital bed with me and wouldn’t leave my side.”

“Don’t flatter yourself. The bed was comfy,” I replied, sitting beside him.

“Oh,” he chuckled. “That’s what it was. How silly of me.”

“Mhm,” I answered, leaning my head on his shoulder.

“If I haven’t said it enough today, I’ll say it again. I love your hair.”

“Thank you,” I whispered, running my fingers through the short curls. “It’ll take some getting used to, but I’m enjoying the low maintenance.” I smoothed the back of my hand across his cheek. “I’m glad you got rid of that beard.”

“Really? I kind of miss it,” he said, scrubbing his jawline. “I was thinking about growing it out again.”

“Don’t.”

“Why not?”

“Because then I couldn’t do this.”

I kissed along his smooth jawline until his lips met mine. He deepened the kiss briefly, blessing me with a few flicks of his tongue before pulling away.

“A beard was a terrible idea. What was I thinking?”

“You weren’t. How are things on the business front?”

He tutted under his breath. “I go on a three-month vacation and Blakenship slid in and ran the company as if I never left.”

“Vacation?” I said, giggling at his optimism.

“It was paradise. I’m already considering going back. I miss my caftan already.”

“Mycaftan,” I reminded him.

“In my absence, the company’s stock dipped slightly but is expected to bounce back. Global Solutions pulled out.”

“Screw them. They were predatory at best.”

“Amen to that,” Knox agreed. “A few staff members had resigned. According to their exit surveys, they felt a little squirrelly about the management change, but who could blame them?”

I rubbed his chest, trying to soothe him. I didn’t want him to work himself back up. “Why don’t you retire?”

“Retire?” he asked incredulously. “It’s too soon.”