----Elaine---
Murmuring polite thanks, I glanced over Carla’s shoulder and my eyes landed on Kave leaning against the doorframe of his office. He still carried that heavy aura of stress, the kind that clung to him lately, but in that moment he was beaming at me. That warm, approving look in his eyes sent a glow rushing through me, making my chest tighten with something almost giddy. It felt good—no, incredible—to know I was the cause of his happiness. When he gave me a wink and a small nod before disappearing back into his work space, I knew I’d do just about anything to keep that look on his face.
Leading carla into the living room across from the office, I forced a cheerful note into my voice and tried to make small talk. “So,” I asked lightly, “do you always have Sundays off, or is th
