Kimi stepped away from the dining table and walked toward the living room couch, her movements deliberate and controlled.
"Olive and Rylie are returning today," she announced without looking back at him. "They will be staying here with me again. They got caught up in some complications last night and had to spend the night at a hotel downtown."
Kolton's eyebrow arched as he processed this information. A part of him had hoped for more time alone with her, away from prying eyes and constant interruptions.
"Really? Could they not extend their hotel stay indefinitely?" The words escaped his lips before he could stop them.
Kimi froze mid-step and turned to face him, confusion flickering across her features. "What did you say?"
Heat crept up Kolton's neck as he realized his selfish desire had been voiced aloud. He shook his head dismissively, forcing a casual tone.
"Nothing important. Just making conversation, you understand." He attempted a smile that did not quite reach his eyes.
