"Heading out to grab the paper and pick up a few things from the store," he said around a mouthful of mint foam. "You want anything?"
Zoe stood in the kitchen doorway, arms crossed lightly over her chest. "No, I'm good," she said. "I might just tidy up a little. Get some laundry on."
Barry rinsed, spat, and leaned in to kiss her cheek. "Alright, sweetheart. Be back in an hour or two."
She watched him go.
The moment the door clicked shut, she turned toward the stairs -- heart thudding.
Because she hadn't told Nate yet.
--------
Exactly seven minutes later, the doorbell rang.
Zoe's heart gave a small, traitorous leap -- but her face remained calm as she moved to answer it.
Nate stood on her porch, dressed in loose grey joggers and a hoodie that clung slightly to his damp chest. His
