Page 7 (1/2)

“Call me Rafe My mom says it soundsAhed “It sure is nice to say these things out loud, for once You’re a good listener, Els”

“Thank you … Rafe”

He rolled onto his side She felt his gaze on her face and tried to keep breathing evenly

“Can I kiss you, Elsa?”

She could barely nod

He leaned over and kissed her cheek His lips softened against her skin; at the touch, she felt herself come alive

He trailed kisses along her throat, and it made her want to touch him, but she didn’t dare Good wos

“Can I … do more, Elsa?”

“You mean…”

“Love you?”

Elsa had dreamed of a moment like this, prayed for it, sculpted it out of scraps from the books she’d read, but noas here Real Ato love her

“Yes,” she whispered

“Are you sure?”

She nodded

He drew back, fumbled with his belt, undid it, pulled it free, and threw it The buckle clacked against the side of the truck as he pulled off his pants