There were so many things I wanted to say, but I couldn’t. They hurt too much. So, I hugged him against me, clinging to his back, remembering that I’d felt the same way when I left his hotel the morning I returned to Miami.
In a couple hours, I would be recalling this exact moment, wanting to rewind time.
Wanting to relive the whole weekend.
Wanting to recapture the happiness I felt when I was with him.
He pulled away and captured my face between his hands, drawing his mouth close to mine.
Kissing me.
It wasn’t the kind of kiss we shared when we were naked and tumbling in bed.
This was different.
This was breath and softness.
Tenderness.
My eyes stayed closed as his lips left mine and slowly opened, the emotion sparking when his emerald gaze was so rich and vibrant.
“Our paths will cross again, Jo.”
I smiled—for him, not for me. And without hesitation, I hugged him again, hiding my face on his shoulder, making sure he didn’t see the tears that were threatening to fall.
I dug for my voice, keeping the sadness out of it, and whispered, “I can’t wait for that moment.”