Page 15 of Rescuing Aria

“Sometimes.” The honesty in his admission touches me. “We’re all human. But we talked through it when those feelings came up.” His eyes search mine. “What are you really asking?”

“I guess… Do you miss it?” The flames capture my attention as I gather my courage. “Does being with me feel—incomplete somehow?”

Jon’s hand finds mine again, his fingers intertwining with my own.

“No.” The single word carries such conviction that it steals my breath. “What I had with them was beautiful and real. What I have with you is also beautiful and real. Different, but no less whole.”

“But you were together for years.” The insecurity I’ve been fighting bubbles to the surface. “And now they’re having a baby, starting a family… They moved on so quickly.”

Jon’s expression softens. “We were together for nearly five years. But people change. What they need changes.”

“They chose each other in the end.” The words emerge smaller than I intended.

Jon exhales slowly, thumb tracing patterns on my palm.

“It wasn’t about choosing one over the other. Charlie wanted children. Brett was ready for that step. I wasn’t—not then. They made the choice that was right for them.”

“And now?” My heart pounds against my ribs. “What do you want now?”

“Now, I want to be here, with you.” His eyes meet mine, firelight dancing in their depths. “Getting to know you. Building something new.”

Tears prickle behind my eyes. “I worry sometimes that you’re not ready. That you’re still healing from losing them.”

“I am still healing.” The admission comes without hesitation, his voice low and intimate. “But that doesn’t mean I’m not ready for this—for us.” His hand cups my cheek, thumb brushing away moisture I hadn’t realized had escaped. “Healing doesn’t happen in isolation. Sometimes it happens in connection with someone new.”

The honesty in his voice touches something deep inside me. I lean forward, resting my forehead against his. His breath warms my skin, mingling with mine in the small space between us.

“I’ve been wondering,” my voice drops to a whisper, “why you haven’t tried to… You know. Go further than kissing. I thought maybe you weren’t attracted to me that way, or…”

Jon pulls back slightly, eyes darkening.

“Aria.” My name becomes something sacred in his mouth. “I am very attracted to you, but after everything you went through with the kidnapping, I didn’t want to pressure you.” His gaze drops to my lips, then back to my eyes. “I know trauma can complicate physical intimacy. I wanted to give you space to heal, to feel safe.”

A laugh bubbles up from my chest, unexpected and genuine.

“You’ve been holding back because you thought I needed time, and I’ve been worrying you weren’t interested in being with just me?”

“Seems we could both use some work on our communication skills.” His smile breaks through, slow and warm.

“Maybe we should start now.” Boldness surges through me, heat pooling low in my belly. “I’m not made of glass. The kidnapping was traumatic, yes, but I’m stronger than you think.”

“I know exactly how strong you are.” His voice drops lower, something primal threading through it. “I’ve seen it firsthand.”

“Then stop treating me like I might break.”

The fire crackles between us, sending sparks spiraling into the night sky. Jon’s eyes darken, pupils dilating until only a thin ring of amber remains. A muscle ticks in his jaw—the only outward sign of his tightly held control.

“Aria.” My name becomes a warning, a promise.

“Yes?” I challenge, leaning closer.

With deliberate slowness, Jon cups the back of my neck, fingers threading into my hair. The gentle possessiveness of thegesture sends shivers racing down my spine. His other hand settles at my waist, drawing me closer until I’m almost in his lap.

“I’m definitely interested in you.” His voice rumbles, deeper than I’ve ever heard it, laced with hunger held too long in check.

In answer, I close the distance between us.

His lips claim mine with a hunger that steals my breath. This isn’t like our previous kisses—polite, careful, restrained. This is Jon unleashed, taking what he wants with a ferocity that makes my head spin. His hand tightens in my hair, angling my face to deepen the kiss, tongue sweeping into my mouth with possessive intent.