"Peyton?"

"Open your eyes."

He hadn't realized he'd closed them, but he did what she said.

Her hand settled on his jaw, and her warm, delicate fingers stroked his cheek. The other caressed his back in a soothing, circular motion. "I love you."

There. Yes, right there. Like she'd always done, she climbed inside his mind and ceased the chaos. Filled the dark, empty spaces.

Keeping one hand on the headboard, he slid his other arm between her and the ...