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“In contrast, the rest was amazing. Falling in love with you, moving in together, meeting your friends… It was—ISamazing. I am thankful for every minute with you, Cody.”

“But,” her lover said gently, patiently.

“It’s a lot,” Kim admitted. “And my sense is… activated, you could say.”

“You’re feeling overwhelmed.”

“I guess a tiny bit, yes.”

“I’m sorry. It’s my fault.” Cody was quick to apologize and put on a brave face, but Kim still caught it; that look in her eyes betrayed her true feelings: wounded, crushed. She hated to be the cause of it.

“Cody—"

“We went too fast, didn’t we?” Her lover interrupted before she could explain. “It’s okay, we’ll slow it down. Do you want me to move out of here for a bit and—”

“No!” Startled and alarmed, Kim grabbed her by the shoulders. “That’s really not what I want. Unless…” She studied her face and hesitated. “Do you?”

“Hell, no.” Cody was firm on that. “Absolutely not. I just told you, didn’t I? I want to be involved. But I’ll go at whatever pace is good for you.”

“This is fine, then. I want you in my life, baby.” Kim was no less firm as she said this, though she spoke in a gentle voice she felt was required. “I want you with me, Cody. All the time. I’m just being honest because you asked me to, and that’s the way I want our relationship to be. Open, clear, true.”

“Me too,” Cody murmured. “Yes. In all the ways.”

“Right. I was not able to control my ability with… Cassie.” Kim exhaled. “It took me over completely. So, of course, I don’t want that to happen again.”

“Of course not.”

“I guess I’m a little nervous at being able to sense so much, all of a sudden.”

“I understand.”

“I think the fear is playing out in my dreams. You are so precious to me... I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

“Nothing will.” Cody frowned, once again looking a bit confused. “What are you saying?”

“I don’t even know. Don’t worry.” Kim wrapped her arms back around her neck. Damn! She hated this kind of drama, especially when she was the source of it.Time to get a grip, and change the subject.“I meant to tell you something else.”

“Mm,” Cody grunted and tightened her hold. “What?”

“It’s about last night.”

“Yeah?”

“Yes. I really enjoyed being in charge. Telling you what to do… having you on your knees in the shower…” Kim smiled at the happy, muffled chuckle that this provoked. Much better. She could almost feel her lover blushing. “How about you, darling?” she prompted.

“Don’t do this.”

“What?”

“This!” Cody laughed. “Rev me up just before I go on duty and can’t do anything about it. It’s not fair.”

She was, indeed, blushing. Kim nodded, relaxing.

“Do I really have this much power?” she teased.

“You know you do, so be careful with me.”

“Alright, Detective. You have to go?”