Chapter 65: Chapter 65

"Dominic…" I called again, but he only gave me that lazy half-smile that always made me melt.

"Shh…" he murmured, his thumb brushing along my chin before capturing my lips in a slow kiss.

The taste of coffee still lingered on his mouth. The kiss started gentle, almost shy, but soon deepened. Dominic pulled me closer, one hand sliding to the back of my neck while the other traced down my spine until it found the curve of my waist. I felt every movement, the heat of him against me, my heartbeat racing too fast.

"You have no idea how long I’ve waited for this," he whispered between kisses, his voice husky.

I let out a shaky sigh when his fingers tangled in my hair, giving a light tug — just enough to make me shiver. He lifted me by the waist and set me on the kitchen counter, the cold marble contrasting sharply with the warmth of his body.

"Dominic…" I tried to speak, but my voice trembled.

He chuckled softly, resting his forehead against mine. "You really think you’re getting away now?"

Before I could answer, the sharp sound of Ayla’s cry echoed from the living room. We froze for a second, breathing hard. Dominic closed his eyes, letting out a low groan of frustration.

"She’s got perfect timing," he muttered, planting his hands on the counter beside me.

"Yeah…" I laughed quietly, still breathless, adjusting the strap of my nightgown. "I think she gets that from you."

He looked at me with that smile that said he wasn’t done yet, even if the moment was gone. "Go on, mama. We’ll finish this later."

"Promise?" I teased.

"I always keep my promises," he said, pressing one last quick kiss to my lips before stepping back.

And even as Ayla’s impatient cries filled the house, I couldn’t wipe the stupid, happy smile off my face.