"May I?" he asked, his voice tinged with fragility as if he was pleading with her. "I missed you."

Nicole was stunned. How did he not run away from her? She was unable to make a coherent thought as his words made her tremble.

"Yes," she agreed, running her hands along her head.

"I've missed you so damn much, Nicole. So fucking much."

His words thrilled her. "Have I told you how beautiful you are?" He whispered.

She was out of breath, and shivering in his arms. ...