There was a trace of grievance in Derek's voice as he said it. He couldn't keep Suzy by his side. When he wanted to visit her, she had refused.
Now that they had finally met again after so long, what was wrong with wanting a little more affection?
"Alright, alright. We'll see each other every day from now on."
Suzy laughed and ruffled his soft chestnut curls. Then she rose onto her toes and pressed a light kiss against his lips.
The moment she did, Derek's arm tightened around her waist.
His throat bobbed. Unable to resist, he deepened the kiss.
The warmth inside the room seemed to climb higher and higher. Their faces grew flushed. Their breathing became uneven.
At some point, Derek had shrugged out of his coat.
Taking Suzy's hand, he guided it toward himself. Bold and direct. Completely unapologetic.
Her fingertips brushed against the firm contours beneath his shirt.
The instant she touched him, Derek visibly tensed. A soft sound escaped him.
