There's a sense of relief, and even a small twinge of victory, as she lays herself on top of him. The warmth of her body envelops him; her gaze holds him fast and doesn't let go.

But he can still feel the hesitation in her lips, and he realizes that he might have to work harder at not screwing this up.


promise me a couple things.

Annnd there's the hitch.

More than one promise?

Fingertips squeezing her shoulders, he exhales a sigh as his eyes fall closed again. The sigh is part reluctance, to commit to something that he might not be able to; and part resignation, to commit to something that would be the only way to make her stay.

He reminds himself that he wanted this. That he wanted her.

And it's going to take some effort to keep what he wants.

"Like what?"