Chapter 200

ANDREA’S POV I heard the front door open just as I was pouring my third cup of coffee—though I’d stopped tasting it after the first. My heart jumped, unreasonably hopeful, and then settled the moment I heard the steady weight of his footsteps. Kade. He entered the kitchen first, covered in a thin layer of dust and soot, the sleeves of his shirt rolled up and streaked with grime. His eyes landed on me immediately, and relief flooded through me like a bath. His presence alone made things bearable. He didn’t say anything at first. Just walked across the space, cupped the side of my face, and pressed a kiss to my forehead. “I missed you so much,” I murmured. He pulled back, his eyes glinting with affection that warmed me down to my toes as he searched my face, and then my body. “Are you okay?” I laughed softly, leaning up to peck his lips. “You should look in a mirror before you ask me that question.” He chuckled, and I yelped when he pulled me to him, and I got a mouthful of dust. I melte