He’s still sniffing into my neck, making me feel horrendous that I reduced him to this. I can feel the wetness from his tears on my skin as his face comes to my cheek, pushing himself against me with ragged breaths.

“I’m sorry, baby. I’m sorry…. So goddamn sorry.” He gasps between quick inhales, crushing me so much that I’m finding it hard to breathe, but I don’t protest. His hands cup my face as he pulls me hard against his mouth, kissing my cheek and eye, and jaw ...