Chapter 146: Your Business
The space between them narrowed. For a moment, Ruby hesitated, her breath catching, her heart pounding in her chest. Then slowly, Stefan cupped her cheek, his thumb tracing her skin gently.
"I want this to work," he whispered.
Ruby nodded. "Me too."
His lips brushed against hers softly—tentative, careful, full of meaning. She let her eyes fall closed, her hands sliding up to his shoulders as the kiss deepened, sweet and lingering. There was no rush, no desperation—just tenderness, connection, and warmth.
When they finally pulled apart, both were breathless.
Stefan rested his forehead against hers, smiling. "Well, that was..."
"Long overdue," Ruby finished for him, laughing softly. She wouldn’t admit it to him but she missed kissing him more than anything.
They spent the next couple of hours nestled close together, talking quietly about everything and nothing—hopes, dreams, little things they’d never thought to share before. Each word, each smile, each soft glance made something inside Ruby settle, as though she was finally exactly where she was meant to be.
"I think I’ll take a nap since we still have such a long time ahead," Ruby said and Stefan narrowed his eyes.
"Why don’t you go to the bedroom? You’ll be more comfortable there..."