"I crave a love so deep the ocean would be jealous."
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The sea was sparkling before I could even see it. That's how you know you're close enough. That glittery shimmer that dances in the corner of your eye, like a secret trying to be told.
I was practically bouncing as I stepped out of the car, clutching my wicker picnic tote like it was a sacred offering, because in a way, it was. Stuffed pepper and leek bake. Mama's recipe. If this didn't make the boys shut up and worship me, nothing would.
The white gravel crunched under my sandals as I crossed the front path. The entire house was gleaming like it had been freshly washed in sea air-tall windows glinting, the outline of the Firth of Clyde beyond them, stretching endlessly like a painted backdrop.
I was about two seconds from bursting through the front doors like a fairy at a summer ball.
And that was when I saw Aadam.
He stormed out like a whole gust of wind, barefoot in low-slung joggers and absolutely nothing else. Hair a complete mess, face thunderous, and that strong chest glistening faintly like he'd just splashed water on himself. His brows were furrowed, and his mouth was twisted in the way it always did when something-or someone-had thoroughly annoyed him.
"Aadam!" I chirped, breaking into a full jog toward him, nearly losing a sandal in the rush.
He looked up and saw me.
And just like that, everything melted. His shoulders dropped a little. The annoyance didn't vanish, but it... eased. His eyes swept over me-ribbon, dress, tote, all of it-and then softened like butter in warm hands.
"Fucking finally." He groaned, arms opening a split second before I barreled into him.
With this little squeal that totally wasn't planned, I flung the basket down onto the porch and launched straight into him like I had springs in my legs. Legs wrapped tight around his waist, arms locking behind his neck, my body melted into his like I was made for exactly this.
He caught me so perfectly. Big hands gripping beneath my thighs, pulling me against his chest so tight that I could hear his heartbeat slamming through his shirt.
God, I missed him. It's been, like, two days. But still.
"Morning, baby," he murmured, lips brushing against my ear, voice still rough with sleep and something wicked. "Didn't even let me wake up properly, did you?"
I giggled into his skin, fingers digging into his curls. "I missed you."
"You saw me on FaceTime literally-"
"Missed you."
He didn't reply. He just kissed me. Hard.
His mouth crashed into mine with this kind of desperation that made my stomach flip, his hands tightening under my thighs. He kissed like he always did-wet, a bit wild, like he was claiming something, and I was already his. My ribbon came loose. I didn't even care. My hands slid up his neck and tugged at his hair as he leaned me against the wall just beside the door, still holding me off the ground.
