Anne arrived at the office. She was already imagining Augustine's reaction—how he'd tease her, how his eyes would light up the moment he saw her after a night apart. A soft smile tugged at her lips as she clutched the diary and went to find him.
She knocked once, then pushed the door open.
"Augustine…"
Her voice trailed off, and the smile froze on her face when she saw the chair behind the desk empty.
"Where is he?"
Then, from her left, came a voice she knew better than her own breath. "Did you miss me?"
She turned, and there he was, leaning casually against the wall, arms folded, watching her with that familiar intensity in his eyes.
The smile returned to her face instantly.
"What are you doing standing there?" She walked toward him. "Shouldn't you be at your desk?"
"I was waiting for you," he said softly, his voice husky. He pulled her into his arms, holding her close against his chest. Only now, with her in his embrace, did the emptiness inside him ease.
