His eyes widened and his mouth released her finger as he sat up to lean on one elbow. His other hand came up to cup her face and his thumb brushed away the tear that had slipped from her lashes. He bent his head and slid his lips across hers in a heartbreakingly tender kiss.

“I love you too,” he said against her lips before kissing her again, deepening it until he had taken possession of her.

His hand coasted down her body, skating softly over her plump breast and hardened ...