Page 114 of First in Line

A long time goes by before she pulls away, staring at me with an incredulous look.

“Hi,” I murmur with a smile.

“You’re here.”

“I am. I couldn’t wait another day to see you, so I negotiated an early release. I’ll have to go back next month for a couple of weeks, though.”

Overwhelmed by joy and astonishment, she crashes her lips onto mine. Still holding onto her, I return the kiss with equal enthusiasm. When she moves back, it’s to cover my face with elated pecks.

“I can’t believe you’re finally here,” she lets out between a few of them. “I’ve missed you so much, Jax.”

“I’ve missed you, too, princess. But we did it. You can come live in Europe with me now. We don’t have to be apart ever again.”

Her eyes are brimming with happy tears as she presses a kiss on my lips once more, elated. I return her enthusiasm until we hear someone clear their throat.

When we look, we find her colleague, Mariana, looking at us with amusement. “You’re back,” she tells me.

A little embarrassed, Evie tries to get down from my embrace, but I don’t let her, tightening my hold. “Yeah, I got to leave a couple of weeks early.”

“That’s great. I took good care of your wife, as you can see.”

“Thank you for that.”

“I’ll finish closing up,” Evie says, attempting to get down again, to no avail.

Mariana shakes her head. “I’ll do it, babe, don’t worry.”

“Are you sure?”

“Girl, you’ve been moping around for months. Your husband is finally back. Go have your happy reunion, will you?”

“Thank you,” I say.

“My pleasure. Actually, Evie, if you want to call in sick tomorrow, I’ll let Thomas know you weren’t feeling too well tonight,” she offers.

“Oh, I…” I can see that she wants to protest, but then her pretty little head gets to work, and she realizes it’s probably a good idea. So instead, she says, “I’ll owe you one.”

“This one’s on me. Now get out. Go celebrate.”

Without waiting for an answer, she returns to the kitchen to finish her closing duties.

Once more, when Evie tries to get down, I prevent it. “I need to get my things,” she protests with a giggle.

“I’ll carry you to the lockers, then.”

“You can’t carry me all the way to the car.”

“Watch me.” How can she even think I’d be willing to let her go?

I’m about to head to the “Employees Only” door when I remember the door she forgot to lock. I take her there first, turn the lock, and then grab my things with one hand before heading to the lockers.

The situation is a little absurd, and Evie can’t contain the occasional giggles that bubble up in her chest.

Once she has her things, I shout, “Bye, Mariana! Thank you again!”

“Yes, thank you!” Evie shouts as well.

“Bye, guys! Have fun!”