Chapter 269
Khloe’s ears burned faintly as she pushed Nick away with little force. “Go already.”
The drive to the airport felt far too short.
She stayed close to him the entire time, almost as if letting go would make the week ahead feel real. Her arms were wrapped around his waist, her face pressed into the hollow of his neck, breathing in the clean, familiar scent that always steadied her.
“Nick,” she murmured, voice softened by reluctance, “I’m going to miss you.”
“Then I won’t go,” he answered without hesitation, tightening his hold.
Khloe lifted her eyes slightly. For a second, she believed him—and that was the problem. He absolutely would turn the car around if she said yes.
“No.” She shook her head quickly, forcing a calm tone. “It’s just a week. It’s fine. Work matters.”
Nick gave a low, amused hum. “Worst case, I quit being CEO. You can support me instead.”
Even knowing it was half a joke, Khloe still met his gaze seriously. “That’s acceptable too.”
He let out a quiet laugh, but there was warmth under it. “Khloe… I’ll miss you.”
The cabin fell quiet after that, the kind of silence filled with things neither of them said out loud.
Khloe leaned in first this time, brushing her lips against his. The kiss wasn’t rushed or demanding—just close, steady, like neither of them wanted to admit how much they were already counting the days.
In the front seat, Lenny immediately looked away, pretending he suddenly found the dashboard fascinating.
The car rolled into the VIP terminal entrance.
Lenny stepped out first, giving them space.
Nick didn’t release her immediately. His thumb traced her cheek once, slowly, as if memorizing the moment.
“Go,” Khloe said again, softer now. Her nose stung a little, though she kept her expression composed. “Text me when you land.”
“I will.” His hand stayed on hers.
A pause.
Then, unexpectedly, he said, “Come with me.”
Khloe blinked.
The seriousness in his eyes made it clear he wasn’t teasing.
Warmth spread through her chest despite herself, but she still shook her head. “You know I can’t. I just took on a major project, and I have a client meeting tomorrow.”
Nick didn’t look convinced. “It can be handled remotely.”
“If I go with you, I’ll actually get nothing done,” she replied, trying to keep it light. Her fingers tightened slightly around his. “Maybe next time, tell me earlier. I don’t mind being your tagalong for a bit.”
“I can’t let you be a tagalong,” he said, voice low with a faint smile.
Then, after a brief pause, he exhaled as if conceding defeat.
“Three video calls a day.”
Khloe froze. “Three?”
“Morning. Noon. Night.” He lifted her hand and kissed the back of it again. “Or I’ll cancel the trip and take you with me properly.”
“…You’re threatening me now?”
“It’s a negotiation.”
She couldn’t help the small smile that formed. “Fine. Three calls.”
Only then did he finally let go.
After Nick disappeared into the terminal, Khloe stood there for a moment longer than necessary before being escorted back to the car.
On the way out of the airport, the vehicle slowed at the main exit.
Khloe’s gaze shifted casually toward the terminal entrance—
And her eyes caught a familiar car parked outside.
Michelle’s vehicle.