“Shhh…just come here.” Using the hand he held, he pulled her up and she fell against his chest. “Let me hold you like you held me when I cried.”

His hands draped around her waist, holding her firmly when she tried to pull away. The sparks he’d longed to feel surrounded him immediately, gathering them both in comfortable warmth.

Her struggle died against him, and she relaxed, soaking his chest in tears. In a soothing way, his hands caressed her bare back. He wanted her ...