"Yes," he responded quickly.I understood what he meant. I gripped his shirt tightly, unable to meet his eyes.

Aaron gently lifted my hair and untied the robe knotted at my neck.In one swift motion, he loosened it. I held it close to my chest as it slipped from my shoulders.

Taking a step back, he cupped my chin, lifting my face to meet his gaze. His thumb traced my lips."I want to see my bold Ivy... the one I've missed this past year," he said softly, unexpectedly.

My cheeks flushed.

What did ...