“Your color’s coming back,” he said with a smile. “Maybe I won’t have to threaten the kitchen for real food after all.”
Rayne chuckled softly. “Please don’t make enemies with the staff.”
“Too late. They already hate me.”
Rayne smirked and reached down to touch his cheek. “You’re ridiculous.”
“And you’re alive,” Reed retorted, quieter this time. “So I can be as ridiculous as I want.”
Then Reed leaned forward, pressing a gentle kiss to Rayne’s temple. It wasn’t dramatic. It wasn’t showy. It was… tender.
Intimate. Like second nature.
Then he pulled back and added, “Once you’re discharged, I’m booking that vacation I’ve been talking about.”
Rayne blinked. “You’re serious?”
Reed grinned. “Dead serious. Just the two of us. Somewhere far. Warm. Ocean breeze. Endless room service. I’ve al
