“Why are you standing out here in the cold?”

His voice dropped, low and laced with concern as he stepped closer. Without waiting for her reply, he slipped off his coat and draped it gently over her shoulders, his fingers lingering for a moment as if reluctant to let go. His sharp gaze swept the surroundings, searching and calculating for Anthony’s car plate number.

“I was waiting for you,” she said, his tone softening. “Katie went to check the office but couldn’t find you.”

“Oh… I had a business meeting,” he replied lightly.

His thumb began to stroke her shoulder in slow, absent circles, sending a quiet warmth through her...