Until I can feel all the heat of his body.
His hand goes to the neckline of his t-shirt.
"It still does. But I want to get through that. If you're willing to have me. If you have the patience for it."
He pulls his t-shirt down his chest.
There's fresh ink on his skin.
Right on the spot I chose.
Serva me, servabo te.
Save me and I'll save you.
"Brendon." I reach for his skin. "Can I?"
He nods.
I trace the lines of the ink. "When?"
"Before I left. Walker did it."
"Yeah?"
"Told me he'd kick my ass if I fucked this up."
A sob rises up in my throat. "He meant it?"
"I think so. Pretty sure Dean and Ryan will join him."
My heart warms. The guys look out for me. They support me. I do have people who love me. Who want me to be okay. None of them can replace Grandma, but it helps, knowing I have support.
"I mean it, Kay. I know you'll always feel a little broken. And I'll always worry I don't deserve you. But I want to be there, by your side, to help you through every ugly moment. And I want you by mine."
A tear rolls down my cheek. "I want that too."
He cups my cheek with his palm. Wipes a tear with my thumb. "Those happy or sad?"
"Both."
"I love you. I have for a long time. And I will for longer."
I nod. "I love you too."
He wraps his arms around me and he kisses me like he can't get enough of my lips.
Like he can't get enough of me.
God, he tastes good.
I don't come up for air until I'm dizzy.
With love and lust and the comfort of knowing he's by my side.
For everything.
Forever.