the fire between us 2

Chapter 1

"I can't wait to see them," Nora says, practically buzzing with energy as I park the car outside the crowded airport. The soft hum of engines and the occasional squeal of luggage wheels fill the air around us, but all I can focus on is the anticipation curling in my chest.

"Seven months," I murmur, shaking my head in disbelief as I unbuckle my seatbelt. "And five whole months since we last saw them. It feels like forever."

Nora nods eagerly, already halfway out of the car. "I know! It's going to feel so surreal seeing them again. Do you think they've changed? Or do you think we've changed?"

I chuckle as I grab my bag and step out into the cool evening air. "I think we've been so busy setting up the new apartments and getting the business off the ground that we probably won't notice any changes right away. But knowing them, they'll act like no time has passed."

As we head toward the airport's entrance, the glow of the setting sun bathes everything in soft, golden light. The chatter of travelers and the distant sound of announcements create a familiar backdrop. Nora falls into step beside me, her hands stuffed into the pockets of her coat.

"Do you think they'll like our apartments?" she asks, glancing at me with a mix of excitement and nervousness.

I grin, nudging her with my shoulder. "Are you kidding? They're going to love that we live right next door to each other. Marcus will probably come over every chance he gets, and Martinus..." My voice trails off, and I can't help but smile. "He might not leave at all."

Nora laughs, her giggle breaking the tension in the air. "Well, if that's the case, I'm coming over too. You can't keep all the fun to yourselves!"

As we step through the airport doors, the warm air inside hits us, along with the sounds of people reuniting and the distant rumble of suitcase wheels on tile. The arrivals board flashes overhead, and my eyes instinctively scan for their flight.

"They should be landing any minute now," I say, gripping my phone as my pulse quickens.

Nora's eyes dart across the crowd, a hopeful gleam shining in them. "I hope they're ready for the surprise we have waiting for them at home. The apartments look incredible now, and I can't wait to show them the little details we added."

"Details?" I tease, raising an eyebrow. "You mean the full makeover we gave the place?"

She smirks. "Exactly. It's practically unrecognizable. Do you think they'll even notice all the work we put in, or will they just collapse on the couches and ignore everything else?"

I laugh, shaking my head. "Knowing them? Probably the second one."

Nora laughs and nods, her eyes darting toward the arrival gate. "Oh my god," she whispers, her voice trembling with excitement. I follow her gaze and spot Marcus emerging from the crowd, his suitcase rolling behind him. His broad smile lights up his face as soon as he sees Nora.

Before I can say anything, Nora takes off running. "Finally!" I hear her exclaim as she throws her arms around her husband, pulling him into a tight embrace. Their laughter echoes through the bustling terminal, and I can't help but smile at the sight.

I take a step closer, my eyes scanning the crowd anxiously. "Where's Martinus?" I ask, my voice tinged with both impatience and anticipation.

Marcus glances over Nora's shoulder, his hand still on her back. "He's—"

Before he can finish, my heart skips a beat as I see Martinus walking through the gate. His stride is confident yet relaxed, his suitcase in one hand, and his free hand brushing his slightly longer hair out of his face. His eyes lock onto mine, and everything else around us fades.