The sound of the front door opening startled Mia. She had been curled up on the couch, reading reports for the company, though her eyes had drifted to the clock countless times. It was past midnight, and she had almost given up waiting.
"Ryan?" she called softly, unsure if fatigue was playing tricks on her.
"Mia." His voice—deep, warm, familiar—echoed through the hall.
She shot up, the documents sliding to the floor, and before she could think, she ran straight into his arms. Ryan caught her, holding her tightly as though he hadn't touched her in years.
"I missed you," Mia whispered against his chest, breathing in the scent of him, the one she had craved during his days away.
Ryan kissed the top of her head, closing his eyes as he buried his face in her hair. "You don't know how much I missed you too. Meetings, numbers, contracts—none of it mattered. I just wanted to come home to you."
She pulled back slightly, looking into his tired but tender eyes. "You should have called more."
A guilty smile tugged at his lips. "I know. The meetings dragged on, and I thought I'd handle it all quickly… but I was wrong. Next time, I'm taking you with me. I can't stand being apart like that again."
Mia laughed softly, her heart swelling. "You'd really drag me into boring business trips?"
"If it means I get to fall asleep with you in my arms, then yes," Ryan said without hesitation.
Her cheeks flushed, and before she could reply, Ryan leaned down and kissed her. It was slow at first, almost reverent, but it deepened with every heartbeat—days of longing pouring into that single moment. Mia clung to his shirt, not wanting to let him go again.
When they finally broke apart, breathless, Ryan lifted her easily into his arms. "You've waited for me long enough. Tonight, I'm not letting go of you."
She smiled, resting her head on his shoulder. "Good. Because I don't want you to."
Ryan carried her to his room, and as they lay together, whispering about everything they missed during their time apart, the tension of business, enemies, and Suzan melted away—at least for one night.
For that night, it was only Ryan and Mia, their love stronger than distance, stronger than fear.