Chapter 128

• Howard gripped the wheel of his sedan, easing out into the quiet morning streets as the cool sun cast long golden rays across the dew-kissed lawns and empty sidewalks. His mind, usually laser-focused on office briefs and meetings, drifted entirely to Charlotte—her gentle laugh.
• His mind, usually laser-focused on office briefs and meetings, drifted entirely to Charlotte. Breakfast that morning replayed in vivid detail: her gentle laugh bubbling up as he bit into the cupcake, smearing cream across his lips. "Oh, Howard," she said, eyes sparkling with amusement, reaching for a tissue from the counter.
• He took it with a grin but wiped the wrong side—his right side of lips instead of left. Charlotte burst out laughing again, a sound like wind chimes. "No, no, you missed it!" She grabbed another tissue, leaning in close across the small kitchen table, her fingers brushing his chin as she gently dabbed the cream away. Time slowed. Her eyes locked on his lips, soft and intent; his gaze held hers, inches apart, the air thick with unspoken warmth.