I can't help but stare at him, tracing the outline of his body. He's lying on his back, his chest rising and falling steadily. The sheets are pushed down around his waist, exposing his sculpted abs and muscular arms.

I bite my lower lip, resisting the urge to reach out and touch him. I want to trace the contours of his muscles with my fingertips. To feel his skin beneath my hands. But I don't dare disturb his sleep. Not yet.

The sunlight is filtering in through the windows, casting a soft glow across his body.

He looks like an angel. A dark, sexy angel.

I sigh softly, a smile playing on my lips. We've spent the entire night together.

It was perfect. Everything I could have asked for.

I let him rest a little longer. It's a long flight, after all. But I can't help but want to see him, even though I know he's probably exhausted.

I lean down, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek.

He stirs slightly, a smile tugging at his lips.

"Morning, babygirl," he murmurs, his eyes slowly opening.

"Morning," I whisper, brushing a strand of hair from his face.

He's always so put together, his hair styled perfectly, always in a suit. But this version of him is my favorite. Tassled hair, sleepy eyes. Vulnerable. It's like a side of him that's for my eyes only.

"How long have you been awake?" he asks, his gaze locking with mine.

"Not long," I reply, my fingers tracing patterns on his chest.

"Mmm," he hums, his arm wrapping around me. "You should have woken me up sooner."

I chuckle. "You looked like you needed the sleep. Plus, I got to enjoy the view."

He laughs, the sound rumbling through his chest. "The view, huh?"

"Yeah," I say, leaning down and kissing him.

His hand cups the back of my neck, holding me close. Our lips move together, the kiss soft and sensual.

When we finally break apart, I'm breathless.

"God, you're perfect," he murmurs, his eyes filled with adoration.

I can't help but blush, my heart fluttering in my chest. But even in this perfect, blissful moment, sorrow that washes through me.

"I'm going to miss you, Ares," I whisper, a lump forming in my throat.

"Hey, come here," he says, his arms wrapping around me, pulling me close.

I rest my head on his chest, his heartbeat a steady rhythm.

"I'm going to miss you too, babygirl," he says, his voice thick with emotion. "So damn much. You have no idea."

I wrap my arms around him, holding him tight. I want to ask him not to leave, but I know it's no use. I cannot keep him here when his life is across the country. I'm just going to miss him so damn much.

"When do you have to leave?" I ask, not wanting to hear the answer.

He glances at his phone. "In about an hour," he replies, his arms tightening around me. "I need to shower and pack."

An hour. It's not enough. It'll never be enough. I cling to him, wishing I could freeze time and stay here forever. In this moment. With him.

But eventually, the moment has to end. He sighs, untangling himself from me.

"Come on, babygirl," he says, a sad smile playing on his lips. "Let's get this over with."

I nod, a knot forming in my throat.

We climb out of bed and head to the bathroom. The shower is quick and efficient. We don't talk. We can't. The words aren't there.

We dress in silence, and then we're heading downstairs, his luggage in tow.

He dropped his car off to be shipped back home for him. I didn't even know that was a thing. We both slide into my car and head for the airport.

I pull into the parking lot, finding a spot near the front. We get out of the car, the sound of the airport's bustling crowd filling the air.

"Come here," he murmurs, pulling me into his arms.

I cling to him, not wanting to let go.

"This isn't goodbye," he says, his voice firm. "I'll see you again. I promise."

I nod, unable to speak past the lump in my throat. He says this isn't a goodbye, but it definitely feels like one. We knew from the beginning that this relationship wasn't sustainable, but it doesn't make the goodbye any less painful.

He kisses the top of my head, his hand stroking my hair.

"Goodbye, babygirl," he murmurs, reluctantly letting go of me.

"Goodbye," I whisper, my eyes burning with unshed tears.

I watch him walk away, my heart aching with every step.

"Until next time," I murmur, even though I know there will never be a next time.

I climb back into my car, the tears streaming down my face.

***

I almost didn't come out tonight. After the week I've had, I really just wanted to stay home in my bed. Between my mom finding out about Ares, Ares leaving, and a couple of large projects turned in at school, I am emotionally drained.

The chatter around me is loud and overwhelming, but I see a lot of familiar faces from my internship. I smile as I walk by, heading straight to the bar. I need a drink if I want any chance of making it through the night.

I take a seat and flag the bartender down. I order a drink and settle into my stool.

"Hey, stranger," a familiar voice says, and I look up to see Shane smiling down at me.

"Oh, hey," I say, a genuine smile spreading across my face.

"I'm so glad you were able to make it," he says, taking the seat next to me. It's strange seeing him outside of his suit, but he's still dressed up. A light blue button-down shirt hugs his frame, the sleeves rolled up to expose his muscular forearms. His blonde hair styled neatly, and he has a relaxed, casual air about him.

I opted for a more casual look. Jeans and a nice tank top. I wasn't in the mood to get too dolled up. I look around. Most of the others from Clever Corp are dressed similarly to me. I turn my attention back to Shane.

"Me too," I reply, taking a sip of my drink.

"So, what are you drinking?" he asks, flagging the bartender down.

"Oh, it's a rum and coke," I tell him, showing him the glass.

"That sounds good. I think I'll have one, too," he says, ordering his drink.

The bartender nods and turns to fix his drink.

Shane looks around, surveying the scene.

"This place is pretty crowded," he comments. "It's nice, though. Seeing everyone from the office outside of work. Makes them seem more human, you know?"

"I know what you mean," I say, taking a sip of my drink.

The bartender slides Shane's drink across the counter, and he catches it.

"Thanks," he says, flashing the man a smile.

Maybe it's the buzz of the alcohol, but I can't help but admire Shane's features. He is extremely handsome. He has an angular jaw and bright hazel eyes. His nose is straight, and his lips are full and soft. He's tall, easily over six feet, and his shoulders are broad. He has a strong, athletic build.

I shake my head, attempting to clear my thoughts.

"So, are you looking forward to graduating?" Shane asks, his eyes meeting mine.

"Yeah," I reply, taking another sip of my drink. "I'm excited to get started in the real world, get out of my mother's house."

He chuckles. "I'm sure your mother doesn't want you to leave, either. But yeah, I get it. Moving out is exciting. I lived at home until I was twenty-eight."

"Wow," I say, not able to imagine living at home that long.

"Yeah," he says, a slight blush creeping into his cheeks. "It was embarrassing. I was too scared to leave, honestly. So, I worked two jobs and lived at home. I saved up and was able to buy a townhouse. Been on my own for seven years now. I love it. Having my own space is amazing. Well, and the privacy."

"Privacy isn't a thing when living with my mom. She wants to know everything going on in my life, but not in a good way. In the way where she can control it. Or judge it."

I lift my glass, chugging the rest of my drink before motioning to the bartender for another one.

"Your mother is...difficult?" Shane asks, taking a sip of his own drink.

"That's a nice way of putting it," I chuckle. "She's been that way since I was little. Controlling, critical. Everything is always wrong."

"I'm sorry, Emma," he says, his gaze full of concern.

I shrug, taking a sip of my fresh drink.

"What about your dad?" he asks, his fingers tapping the bar.

"My dad isn't really in the picture," I reply, my tone neutral. "We talk every so often, but ever since he divorced my mom, he doesn't come around often. And the last time we were all together, it was a disaster."

Shane reaches over, his hand resting on mine. His touch is warm and comforting.

Before either of us can say anything, one of our coworkers, Andy I think, comes over and Shane quickly moves his hand off of mine.

"Hey, guys!" maybe Andy says, smiling broadly.

"Hey, Andy," Shane says, returning his smile.

I was right. I'm so bad at remembering names that I always second guess myself.

"What's up?" I ask, taking a sip of my drink.

"They're fixing to serve dinner. We're over there in the event room," he says, motioning to a door off to the left.

"Awesome, thanks," I say, hopping off the stool.

"Let's go," Shane says, sliding off his stool and following after Andy.

I trail behind them, the music from the main bar fading away as we step into the other room. The event room is spacious and elegant. It's decorated with dark wood furniture and rich red drapes. There's a long table in the center, surrounded by chairs.

"This is nice," I comment, taking a seat at the table. This is way nicer than I was expecting.

"Yeah, it's really fancy," Shane agrees, sitting down next to me.

Andy takes a seat across from us, smiling brightly.

"Isn't this great? They spared no expense," he says, clearly impressed.

"No kidding," I reply, glancing around the room.

The table is filled with food, and the smell is mouth-watering. Steaks, chicken, potatoes, corn, salad, and bread. I feel someone sit down on the other side of me and turn to see Bethany.

"This is nice, isn't it?" she asks, smiling brightly. "And a night away from the kids is always welcome."

"I bet," I say, nodding in agreement. "This is way better than I was expecting."

"I know, right? It's like the company actually appreciates us," she chuckles, grabbing a piece of bread and spreading butter on it.

The servers come around, serving our food. I grab some chicken and a potato. The food is delicious, and I eat every last bite.

After dinner, the employees mill about, chatting and mingling. I hang out with Bethany and a few of the other women, talking about work and their kids. It's nice, but my mind keeps wandering back to Ares.

As the evening draws to a close, everyone begins to leave. I say my goodbyes and head out to my car.

I pull out of the parking lot, heading home. My heart feels heavy. The thought of being back at my mom's place, alone, is depressing. It doesn't feel like home anymore. I don't think it has for a while now.