After that night — after that kiss — things didn't immediately return to how they had been before.
Katherine was cautious. She didn't throw herself back into Kingsley's arms without hesitation.
And Kingsley — well, Kingsley was patient. For the first time in a long time, he understood that rushing her, or trying to force things, would only push her away.
So they started slowly.
At first, it was just quiet messages. A text here. A check-in there. Kingsley would send a short, careful note: How's your day going? or Did you eat today? or I'm thinking about you. Katherine would reply — sometimes quickly, sometimes after hours — her responses simple but warm.
A few days later, Kingsley sent a car.
Come out for coffee with me, he'd texted.
Katherine hesitated — but after a long, thoughtful
