51

A lump formed in Jasmine’s throat, and her eyes prickled. No one had ever told her what he was telling her, save Rihlia. No man had ever felt as much. She closed her eyes. “I don’t deserve it.”

For a moment, he simply held her. Then, with words she would remember for the rest of her life, he breathed in her ear, “I don’t know what’s happened in your life to make you believe that, but I will spend the rest of mine proving you wrong.”

She kissed him. There was no doubt of her answer now.

“My feet are always cold,” she warned him. “I’ll be forever wanting to put them on you.”

He chuckled and nuzzled her neck, drawing on the tender skin. “I like the idea of cold feet in bed. I’m always overly warm, myself.” His voice dropped an octave. “Besides, I think I can find a few ways to warm you up.”

“Um.” Jasmine broke away from his kiss with a gasp. “I hate a mess. I’ll be forever nagging at you to pick up after yourself.”