Page 32 of Jessica's Hero

This isn’t about what I want. Not now.

This is about giving Jess control. And though I’m more accustomed to being the one who takes the lead, I like this, too.

Or, I’m finding, as Jess teases my mouth open and dips inside, tentatively stroking my tongue with hers, Ireallylike it.

I like how she feels in my lap, her body a perfect fit to mine.

I like her breathy little sighs humming into my mouth.

I like the way her scent wraps around me.

I like the feel of her hands on my face.

Shit.

I likeeverythingabout her.

And in this moment, holding Jess in my arms, I know I’ll do anything in my power to keep her safe. To make sure she never has to leave.

When she finally breaks our kiss—I wasn’t going to, not even at the expense of breathing—her cheeks are flushed a deep pink. Uncertainty flickers in her eyes as she looks at me. “Was that… I didn’t mean to. Maybe I shouldn’t have?—”

“Sweetheart.” And yes, I know I just dove straight into the nickname stage of our relationship, and I don’t care. “Youabsolutelyshould have.”

“So… You meant it. That you don’t feel differently about me?”

“I meant it,” I affirm, holding her gaze. “I care about you, Jess. A lot. And nothing you said changed that. I promise.”

“And I didn’t ruin our date? By talking about this?”

“No.” Hugging Jess to me, I brush my lips across hers. “You didn’t ruin anything. And I’m glad you told me.”

“You are?”

“Yes. Because now I can help you. And now you don’t have to keep worrying about telling me. I know, and it doesn’t change anything.” After a beat, I add, “Now. How about we get your flowers in some water? Then you can show me what smells so good in the kitchen. And we can enjoy the rest of our date.”

The smile that blossoms on Jess’s face is breathtaking. “Okay.” Then she hugs me again. “Thank you, Kane. I mean it.”

My heart rolls over. “Sweetheart. You don’t have tothank me for anything. Thankyoufor trusting me with this.”

She stares at me for a long moment. Emotion works in her eyes. “Thank you for believing in me.”

CHAPTER 7

JESS

So are you guys officially together now?

Hazel’s question blinks onto my computer screen, where I stare at it for at least a full minute before attempting a response.

Partly because of that wholenot wanting to jinx itthing. And partly because I’m not one hundred percent sure of the answer.

Do IthinkKane and I are together? Yes.

We’ve had four official dates, which are four more dates than I’ve had with anyone else in at least… Eeep. Ten years.

Ten years. Has it really been that long?

But I know it has, because I distinctly remember my twenty-fifth birthday; hiding under the covers of my bed while swearing to myself that I’d never trust another man again.