MIKA
The evening winds down as we all settle back into the living area. The conversation is easy, the laughter soft, and the atmosphere remains warm. Glasses of wine rest in everyone’s hands—everyone except me, of course. I sip my soft drink as I recline on the plush couch.
Dinner was incredible, and the company even more so, but exhaustion tugs at my body now. I know I told myself I’d sort through my things when we got back, but there’s no way that’s happening now. The only thing I’ll be doing the moment we step inside is collapsing into bed.
Channing sits beside me, his arm casually stretched across the back of the couch, fingers lightly brushing against my shoulder. He looks at me, his gaze holding a silent question: Are you ready to go? I meet his gaze and give a slight nod.
But h
