I didn't give him a chance to ask me where I'd been, instead tackling him and hugging him. He held me without a word for a long moment before guiding me to the sofa and sitting, still holding me. I shifted out of my coat, snuggling into his broad chest and just breathing him in while his steady heartbeat settled my own pounding pulse enough I knew I was going to be okay.

And that I should have told him everything from day one.

So I did. I started talking and he ...