Emily's arms were laden with shopping bags as she stepped through Lucas' front door, the weight of the day's events still hanging heavy in the air. She deposited her haul on the kitchen island with a soft thud, exhaling deeply.
"f**k, what a day," she muttered, running a hand through her chestnut hair.
Lucas appeared behind her, his own bags joining hers on the countertop. Without warning, he wrapped his strong arms around her waist and hoisted her into the air. Emily let out a surprised squeal that quickly dissolved into giggles as he spun her in a circle.
"Lucas! Put me down, you big oaf!" she laughed, her earlier tension melting away.
He obliged, setting her gently on her feet but keeping his arms locked around her. "Just trying to lighten the mood, baby girl," he murmured, his brea
