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“I’m aroused.”

“But you didn’t think I’d do it, right?” Ella chuckled.

His big, beautiful eyes sparkled back at her and there was a depth to them that had never been there before.

“I’m glad you did. Fuck, I wish I was there. Holding you. Touching you, so you make more of those sexy sounds.” Mack rasped. “I’ve wasted a lot of time, Ella. I regret it.”

She watched as he wiped a hand over his face.

Sadness filled her, but it was nice to hear him speak the words and open up to her like he never had.

“It’s okay. You’ll be home soon. We can move forward from here. I—”

“Don’t say it,” Mack interrupted. “I want to be there when you do.”

“Okay.” She smiled.

“If I don’t...” Mack trailed off and cursed.

Her heart slammed inside her chest, beating rapidly as fear crashed into her. She tried to identify where he was, but the phone was super zoomed in.

He was such a positive person, so it was very strange to hear him talk like that.

“Tell me you’re safe. That you’ll come home to me.”

“I am. I will,” he lied.

She could hear the lie in his voice because they both knew he couldn’t guarantee it. But as tears began to pool in her eyes, she let it go. Because she couldn’t accept that he might not make it back to her.

“I’m going to listen to that recording over and over.” Mack forced a smile on his face, shifting the conversation.

Ella wiped her eyes and nodded, forcing her own smile. “Good.”

Her smile vanished, and a sob tried to escape.

What if this was the last time they ever talked?

“Mack, I need to say it. Please.”

“No, baby. I know I’m being selfish, but hearing those words from you when I can kiss you after is what’s driving me home.”

Oh God.

A tear slid down her face.

“You don’t need to say it; I can see it in your pretty eyes.”

Another tear.

“There are things I need to tell you about myself. Things you might not accept, Ella,” Mack said. “You might not feel the same way.”

“Never.” She shook her head.

“Wait for me,” he said rough and low.

“Always.”

“Shit, I have to go. Sweet dreams. I love you.”