The sound of the front door opening came softly, almost lost beneath the slow rustle of the trees outside.
Willow lifted her head from the counter.
Zane stepped inside carrying two grocery bags and the familiar cool air of the evening with him. The scent of the outside world drifted in with him. Asphalt still warm from the day, a trace of distant rain somewhere in the air, and the faint metallic smell of the city settling into night.
He paused when he saw her leaning against the counter.
"You didn't sit down," he said.
His voice carried the same calm steadiness it always did when he noticed something he did not entirely like.
Willow gave a small shrug.
"i was tidying a bit."
He set the grocery bags on the table and studied her face for a moment longer than necessary. The soft crease between his brows appeared briefly before smoothing away again.
"You look pale."
"I'm fine," she replied automatically. "It was a long day."
