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He fra essential frorets “Tell me you understand why I did what I did, Rae,” he implored her “Why I didn’t tell you the truth back then Tellyou so badly” He desperately needed to know that she didn’t hate him for the choice he’d made

To his relief, her expression softened, as did the look in her eyes “I ht not like what you did, but I do understand your reasons, and I do forgive you”

“Thank you,” he whispered gratefully, and settled his lips against hers

The kiss started as an affir pain between them, and quickly escalated into a frantic need to have her To bury hiinable His time with her was limited, and he didn’t want to waste a minute more of it immersed in the past Not when he was exactly where he wanted to be, with the one woain

Chapter 11

Raevynn was startled from a deep, peaceful sleep by the sound of the front door sla room area of the beach house

“Hello, anyone home?”

She sat upright in confusion, trying toBeside her, Collin jolted awake and swore out loud as he immediately jumped to his feet and quickly pulled on the shorts he’d worn the previous day, his hair a tousledfeet sounded down the hall, and Collin leapt forward, reaching the bedroo the entrance, and fro on the bed with the covers pulled up to her chest, she could see two little people just outside the door—a young girl and boy ju up and doith enthusiasm

“Uncle Collin!” they both greeted hi Raevynn realize that his niece and nepheere in the house, which perplexed her even more

“Hey, guys!” he returned just as exuberantly, though his voice was still raspy fro here?”

“Moirl with brunette curls bouncing all over her head told hio to the beach!”

“Sorry for the early- wake-up call,” that same female voice interrupted from down the hall, obvious ae”

Collin scrubbed a hand along the stubble on his jaw “Nope, didn’t see it Give us a few minutes and we’ll be out”

“Coirl and boy “Leave Uncle Collin alone so he can get ready”

“Okay!” they said in unison, and ran back down to the living room