Chapter 79

“I’m ready,” I said on a sigh.

“Are you sure?” he asked again, letting go of my hands to cup my face, eyes focused on mine, the thumbscaressing the corners of my mouth.

“Yes, Ben. Please? I want this. It’s been so long since I…I want it to be you.” I reached up to grab hold of his wrists, urging him on.

“I’m glad I can do this with you. You’re a very special man, and you deserve all the love this world has to give. I’m not saying I love you—not yet. But the chance to be with someone with so much love to give is beautiful to me.” Tears shimmered in his eyes as he leaned forward to kiss me, gently.

A whimper escaped me as I opened to him, the floodgates wide as all the years of longing and restraint were washed away in my desire for this unique man who had saved me from myself.