Claire’s apartment was only four blocks away.They barely spoke on the walk. Rain still fell in a fine mist, cool against flushed skin. Nova kept her hand at the small of Claire’s back the entire way—not pushing, just present, a steady point of contact that made Claire’s pulse stay elevated. By the time they climbed the narrow stairs to the second-floor unit, both of them were damp again and breathing a little too fast.Claire unlocked the door with slightly unsteady fingers. The apartment was small and clean—white walls, a low couch, a kitchen that opened into the living space, a bedroom visible through an open doorway. Nova stepped inside, looked around once, then turned and pinned Claire against the closed door with a kiss that picked up exactly where the gallery had left off.This time there was no urgency to stay quiet.Claire’s sweater hit the floor first. Nova’s jacket followed. They left a trail of clothes across the living room—jeans, boots, underwear—until Claire was backing
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