Chapter 86: Chapter 86

"What are you thinking about?" Kiki brought him from his reverie.

"Nothing."

This time, she reached across the table for his hand. "Oh no you don't! You made me tell you."

One corner of his lips curled into a smile, wondering if she was going to kiss his hand and up his arm like he had attempted to do to her before she stopped him. For a moment, he was tempted to see if that's what she had in mind, but was a bit disappointed when she just held his hand and looked at him with pleading eyes.

"Please?" she batted her eyes, stirring his heart more than he had anticipated.

His face suddenly turned serious. "I was just thinking about how lucky I am to have run into you again."

She gave his hand a gentle squeeze and then released it. "I'm the one who's lucky."

Taren shook his head. "I'm not talking about the fire." Taren paused for a moment, gauging his words. "I'm the lucky one that you came back into my life. I know that sounds corny, but--"