“All of it, I think.”
“You said you loved me.”
I tilt my head up, so I’m staring into his eyes. “I meant it. I love you, Dillon.” I cup his cheek. “And I want to let you love me, but you’ll have to continue to be patient.”
“I can do that, but you have to set boundaries because my need for you is at an all-time high.”
“Last night was a catharsis of sorts for me. My own ‘come to Jesus’ moment. I don’t feel sad today. I feel more at peace than any other time since they died, and I want to move forward.” My eyes penetrate his. “I want to move forward with you.”
“Thank fuck.” He bundles me in his arms, hugging me tight. Warmth from his skin rolls over me, heating all the frozen parts.
“I can’t promise I won’t have bad days. Days where I miss Reeve are a given because I can’t just forget about him or not remember how much we meant to each other.”
“I get that, and it’s fine. All I ask is that you don’t shut me out. Tell me you’re missing him. I would rather hear it from your lips than guess why you’re upset or noncommunicative or distant.”
“I’ll be honest; even if I don’t want to hurt you, I promise I’ll always tell you the truth.”
He lifts my hand to his mouth, kissing my fingers. “I promise you the same. We will never keep secrets from one another again.”
“Agreed.”
“What else?”
“We need to be discreet around Easton. It’s not that I want to hide us from him, but it will confuse him. We can’t tell him yet.” I hate the thought of sneaking around behind my son’s back, but it’s only been four months since his daddy died. I don’t know how he’ll react if he sees me kissing another man. Especially his uncle. It could lead to other questions we can’t answer yet.
“I hate having to agree, but it’s the way it’s got to be. For now.”
“We can’t go public for the same reasons.”
He sighs. “I know you’re right, but this is beginning to feel like a dirty secret, and I’m not loving that much.”
“Nor me, but this is the way it has to be. It won’t be forever.” I need time to work up the courage to tell Easton and to go public, and I have no clue how long that will take me, but I’m hoping this more patient version of Dillon will last and he won’t pressure me into doing something before I’m ready.
“I’ll try not to be my usual needy, greedy self. To remember that having you back in my life, even if it’s not quite the way I’d hoped, is enough.”
I run my fingers through his hair, holding his head. “I love you, and you love me. That won’t change, and that’s what matters the most. The rest is stuff we can work through in time.”
He rests his forehead against mine. “I have waited years to hear those words again. I love you, Vivien Grace Lancaster. I love you so much, and I would wait until the end of time for you.”
My heart beats with a zest that is new, all because of this man. I am truly lucky to have found such amazing love in my life. Not once, but twice. And to be given a second chance with Dillon, after everything we have been through, is more than I dared to hope for. “Just be patient with me, Dil. Like you were the last time.”
“You set the pace, Viv. You call the shots.”
“Look at me.”
He lifts his head, peering into my eyes as my fingers weave in and out of his hair. “I still love your hair.” My hands move lower, touching his eyes, his nose, and his lips, brushing against his cheeks, and rubbing the bristles on his chiseled jawline. “I love every part of you but especially your heart.” I place one hand over his bare chest, and his heart drums steadily against my palm. “Thank you for being here for me. Thank you for caring for me and Easton.”
“There is nowhere else I would rather be.”
I lean in, keeping my eyes on his as I brush my lips against his mouth. “Kiss me, Dillon. Kiss me like you’ll die if you can’t taste my lips.” We both smile, remembering another first kiss that started with those words, and a serene sense of calm settles over me. All the tiny hairs on the back of my neck lift, and a very subtle breeze sweeps fleetingly across my face. It might freak others out, but I think Reeve is here, and it comforts me. I think that is his way of telling me it is okay.
Dillon’s mouth descends, and I sink into his arms and the feel of his warm lips moving against mine. He angles his head to deepen the kiss, and I open my mouth, letting him push his tongue in. I sigh into his mouth, our minty breaths comingling, as he strokes my tongue in long leisurely strokes. Winding my arms around his neck, I climb onto his lap, pressing my chest against his.
His hands rest respectfully on my lower back, and he makes no move to push this to the next level, content to kiss me while holding me tight.
I get lost in him.
Drowning in the taste of his kisses that are both familiar and excitingly new.