Chapter 15

“Hey, hey, hey.” I climb over him so we’re facing each other, but he closes his eyes and hides his face into his pillows. I push myself against him, make him uncurl his body, and let me come close. When my chest rubs against his, his arm flies around my waist, and he holds me so tightly, I couldn’t get away even if I wanted to.

I run my fingers through the hairs at the nape of his neck. “Don’t hide,” I whisper. “You never have to hide your feelings from me.”

He shakes his head but relaxes somewhat.

“Talk, to me, love. Tell me what’s on your mind.”

His grip tightens even more, as though he’s trying to meld us into one. I continue caressing his neck, brushing little kisses wherever I can reach on his face. Doing my best to stay calm for him, being the rock he so clearly needs.

When his sobs ease, he says, “I was so worried.”