Kim stiffened as Jane’s lips touched his, his mind racing. The kiss was fleeting, but the impact lingered like a storm cloud ready to burst. He pulled back sharply, his hand raising as if to create distance between them.

“Jane, what are you doing?” His voice was low, confused, and laced with regret.

She smiled faintly, her eyes searching his. “Reminding you of what we had… and what we could still have.”

Kim clenched his jaw, his heart heavy with the weight of her words. “That ...