Page 118 of Time To Learn

I chuckle, happy that her spark is returning and raise my head at Laura.

“Do you have popcorn?”

She nods, eyes softening, and I straighten myback.

“Excellent. You can’t have a movie marathon without it.” I wink at Ailith when she giggles at me. “Where is it?” I ask Laura as I start to move back to thedoor.

“Wait, please.”

I turn around, puzzled that she’s getting up from the bed. The lingering kiss she places on top of Ailith’s head makes my heart swell.

“I’ll go make it for you. Why don’t you stay here and get the movie up? Ailith will helpyou.”

“Are you sure?” I ask her softly.

She stops in front of me and looks up at me. Then she glances at Ailith who seems busy with the stuffed toys on her bed, and when Laura’s fingers touch my cheek briefly, I gasp softly at her open display of affection.

“I’m sure. You’ll only mess up Mum’s kitchen, and she won’t likethat.”

I grin down ather.

“Okay, then.” I tilt my head at Ailith. “Is that okay with you, girlie?”

The smile she turns my way eases my concern.

“Yes, Kristian.”

“I won’t be long,” Laura murmurs and then leaves us alone.

Thinking quickly, I hold my hand up to Ailith.

“One second. I forgot to tell your mum something.”

I run after Laura, calling her name softly to make herstop.

“Hangon.”

“What is it?” she asks as I come to a stop in front ofher.

Without answering her, I lean down and frame her face in my hands.

“Youokay?”

Her eyes warm as shenods.

“Yes, Kristian. I’mokay.”

I wet my lips and touch her lips briefly. I need to show her how much I care forher.

“Good,” I whisper. “Now, go get me some popcorn, woman.” I grin as she rolls her eyes at me. “I’m starving.”

“I’m not your woman,” she scoffs, laughter dancing in hereyes.

I quirk an eyebrow ather.

“That’s where you’re wrong, sweetheart.” I kiss her gently, only this time I trail her lips with my tongue, teasing her, before I lean away. “You’re the only woman I see now. There’s no one else forme.”

Her eyes widen at my almost-declaration of love, but when I kiss the tip of her nose and drop my hands from her face, I change the subject. “Food, please.”