"Carissa, honey." Cautiously, he rested his hands on her shoulders, and she leaned back against him, but she didn't face him. He pressed a kiss to her temple and lingered, savoring her unique floral scent. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to push."

She sighed again, then slowly twisted around in his arms. "I love you, Bradley, and I want to be with you, but I'm not ready to live together."

He nodded with understanding, even though he was disappointed. "Okay." He cupped ...