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“I don’t. I can’t stand her.”

She sighs. And then—“I know.”

“Can you forgive me, baby?” I hope she knows how much I regret what I did.

“I already have.”

Thank all the gods in all the religions.

I don’t know what I would have done if she’d said no.

Begged. Cried. Groveled.

Anything she asked of me.

Because I love her that much.

“I love you.” My voice is a tiny bit unsteady but I think she can hear the emotion in it. I hope so anyway. Based on how she’s looking at me, I think we’re going to be okay.

“I love you too.”

This is what love feels like.

And it’s unlike anything I’ve felt with anyone else.

I’ve waited my whole life for Maya—and I’m never letting her go.

* * *

Two weeks without her felt like an eternity. I can’t wait to touch her. Make love to her. Re-establish our connection. But there’s no hurry. So, we spend the next couple of hours talking. Catching up. Making plans. We’re just about to sit down and eat scrambled eggs and toast at the island in the kitchen when Reid shows up with food. He doesn’t even come inside, handing Maya two big plates, giving me a thumb’s up, and then hurrying back to his SUV.

“He’s thoughtful,” she says with a smile.

“He seems like a great big brother.”

“The best.” She nods. “My younger brother is pretty cool too. You’ll have to meet him.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

It gets dark early, and we cuddle on the couch watching Die Hard. She’s pressed against my side, hair cascading around us, and I lean down to kiss her. Her lips are as sweet and soft as the first time I kissed her and she sighs into my mouth.

“I’ve missed you,” she whispers.

“I’ve missed you too. Two weeks felt like two years.”

“Longer.” Her eyes are closed and her lips are still parted. “We should take this upstairs.”

“I want you, but we don’t have to do anything,” I say quietly.

Her eyes pop open, and she stares at me. “Says who?” she demands, laughing. “I’m dying over here.”

“Well, I’ll take care of you as soon as I can, but that’s not the only thing that’s⁠—”

She doesn’t even let me finish my sentence. She simply scrambles to her feet and holds out her hand. Like anything could stop me from taking it.

We take the stairs two at a time, and I kick the door closed behind us. I barely have time to hit the lock before she pushes me onto the bed, taking a moment to get undressed before following.

“Do you remember my favorite position?” she demands playfully.