"I'll be fine, boyfriend" I assured Adrien. He'd kissed my forehead, a lingering press that spoke volumes of his concern, before turning his car around and heading back down the driveway. The dizziness had subsided, for the moment, a temporary reprieve that I clung to like a lifeline.
The familiar creak of our front gate greeted me, followed by the rich, savory smell of garlic and herbs wafting out from the kitchen window. My lips curved into a smile even before I opened the door.
"Ivy!"
The little snow-white ball of fluff shot out of nowhere the second I stepped inside. My dog launched herself at me, front paws on my thighs, tail wagging like it might fly clean off her body. I dropped my bag with a thud and knelt, wrapping my arms around her warm, wriggly body.
"Did you miss me, baby?" I cooed, pressing my face into her soft fur. She licked my cheek enthusiastically, answering the only way she knew how.
