Claim

Relief settled over her like a cool compress when he appeared in the kitchen looking tired but delectable. She wished his mother wasn’t here. She saw the strain it put on him, wanted to give him a quiet night at home without heavy silences or veiled barbs.

He nodded at Aksana. “Mother.”

She returned his nod cooly and took a sip of her drink before returning to tap at her phone.

He entered the kitchen and Kira held her breath, hoping he’d show her the affection that had seemed easier between them in recent days.

He squeezed her shoulders from behind and ran his hands down her arms, linking one of his hands with hers while kissing her cheek. “Hello.”

“Hello,” she said, squeezing his hand. “I was thinking salmon for dinner.”

He was like a skittish cat who’d finally gotten close enough for her to pet. She didn’t want to scare him off by making a big deal of his affection even though every touch thrilled her.

He tugged on her hand and turned her to face him, and she was surprised when he pulled her into his arms right there in the kitchen in full view of his mother.

“I have a better idea,” he said.

“Steak?” she asked, a little breathless as she looked up at him. “Or… we could go out?”

A slow smile spread across his face. “I was thinking… New York City.”