Now that the dam was open, Kate needed to get this all out before she got weak and caved. “I saw how furious and determined you were today. And you have every right to be. I don’t disagree. But I lost the will to keep going when bullets started racing past my head. I don’t want this life anymore.”

The expression on his face made her resolve weaken. Shock. Confusion. Pain. She was hurting him in exactly the way she’d hoped to avoid feeling herself. Hell, she felt exactly the way he looked too. This wasn’t supposed to happen. She’d intentionally guarded her heart so that this could never happen.

Taking a breath, she continued to explain. “You obviously need to get to Montana and help Dade and the rest of the team fight the bad guys and save the day. I thought I could do it. I thought I wanted that too. But every day feels like a game of Russian roulette. I’m tired. I want out. Maybe that makes me disloyal to the team, but I want to go home.

“I want to see my parents and my sister and my niece. I want to sleep for two weeks and eat my mom’s cooking and watch old movies and read those romance novels I’ve never had time for.”

She stepped around him, trying to put a few feet between them. His proximity was killing her. She forced herself to meet his gaze. “I don’t want to duck from bullets and hide and worry and stress and chase after bad guys. I’m a doctor, not a secret agent.”

“So what? You’re just going to leave?” His words slammed into her as he took a step forward. “Walk away from me because you’re scared?”

She licked her lips. “Yes.”

He shook his head. “Yeah, see, it doesn’t work like that.”

Her eyes widened in shock.

He continued. “I understand you’re scared. Fuck, I’m scared. I have no idea what tomorrow will bring. Or the next day or the day after that or next month. But we still have to get up in the morning and face each day.” He inched closer to her, making her nervous.

She’d spent the last several hours convincing herself they couldn’t continue this farce because he needed to go to Montana and fight the bad guys, and she needed to get out of this situation and hide from the world. They weren’t on the same path.

His proximity made her want to slam against his body instead and absorb his strength. His scent. She wanted his hands on her back, holding her. Making things feel right.

But it was a bad idea. She needed to break this thing between them off so they could go their separate ways. He could take his newfound strength and determination to Montana. She could take her fear and exhaustion to Georgia and hide from the world.

Graham rubbed his forehead with his thumb and forefinger. “Kate, you have every right to be scared.”

She stood taller. “I also have every right to head in a different direction. I don’t want to go to Montana and fight bad guys. You do.”

He shook his head. “And you get to singlehandedly make this decision for the both of us without talking to me?”

She jerked back a step, feeling like she’d been slapped. “I’m not making any decisions for you. I’m simply pointing out our differences.”

“Kate, you’re standing there telling me how I feel. You’re not giving me an opportunity to respond. You didn’t even ask me how I felt. You decided several hours ago to end this relationship based on something you didn’t ask me about.”

“Fine. Do you want to go to Montana?” she asked with as much snark as she could fit into those words, hands on her hips.

His shoulders dropped and he ran a hand through his hair, but she had to give him credit for not losing his temper with her. “That’s not the point.”

“Isn’t it?”

“Not even close.” He dropped his hand and reached out to grab her around the waist before she knew his intention. And then he was holding her against his body. Bad idea.

She couldn’t think when he held her. She opened her mouth to protest, but he set a finger over her lips. “Just listen to me. Please. If you still want to walk away from us after I finish, I won’t stop you, but I want you to hear me out first.”

She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth, his fingers still distracting her against her lips. Finally, she nodded subtly.

“Thank you.” He backed her up so that her butt rested against the counter, trapping her. Her resolve crumbled when he crowded her like that. She wanted to pull his face down to meet hers. She wanted him to kiss her. Which was totally irrational while she was trying to end things.

Graham’s hands slid to her waist, his hips pressing against hers. “I think you’re trying to sabotage this relationship because you’re scared.”

She flinched. “Of course not. As I’ve told you before, the reason I didn’t let things escalate into a relationship was because I wanted to be certain we were compatible in every way before I took that leap.”

He chuckled, which annoyed her. “You’re saying this isn’t a relationship? Because that’s horseshit. And you know it. You think just because we haven’t had sex it’s not a relationship? I’ve never in my life been this deeply involved with a woman. We don’t have to have sex for me to be as dedicated as humanly possible to this relationship.

“I know it was fast and intense, but I’m in love with you. So, don’t try to convince yourself we aren’t in a relationship.”

She stopped breathing. Did he just say he was in love with me?

He grinned. “You heard me. I’m in love with you. And furthermore, you’re in love with me. I see it in your eyes every time you look at me. Even today, for as hard as you’ve tried to back away from me, you haven’t hidden your feelings. You just avoided looking at me. But when you do, you can’t hide your emotions.”

She swallowed. He was right. She was in love with him. But that didn’t mean they could make things work if they wanted two different paths.

“You’re scared. Hell, I’m scared. I’m not an expert with women as I’ve made more than clear. I don’t want to fuck this up. I want to get it right as badly as you do. I want it to be perfect. I want you to have that fairy tale you’re determined to live. And I will spend my entire life making that happen because you’re worth it.”

Holy shit. “But…”

He shook his head. “I’m not done. You don’t get to step away from me just because we got shot at. We’re a couple. We have to talk things out and help each other through the difficult times. We may not always have the same ideas, but we’ll work things out.”

“We have very different ideas this time, Graham. Too different.”

He shook his head. “You’re wrong.”

“How the hell am I wrong?” Her voice lifted. “I don’t want to go to Montana with you.”

His hands slid up her body until he held her shoulders. “You’re wrong because you matter more to me than a destination or a job or even another person. And I know I matter that much to you too. So we’re going to discuss this difference of opinion as a couple and make a plan we can both live with. Together.

“We’re not separating over something as ridiculous as geography or a job. I love you more than any job or any state. Don’t you get that?” His hands moved up to her face now, cupping her cheeks. Holding her steady as he stared into her eyes.

“Yes,” she whispered at last. Because he was right.

He lifted a brow, another slow smile forming. And then he blew out a breath. “Okay. Progress.” His fingers smoothed up the side of her face and brushed a lock of hair off her forehead. “You’re scared.”

“Petrified.” Her bottom lip trembled. “People shot at us.”

“They did.”

“We could have died.”

“I know, Kate.”

“I already died once. I want to go home.” Her voice was weak. Exhausted.

“I get that.”

She was shaking now, but she set her hands on his waist and gripped his jeans. “Your adrenaline was pumping hard afterward. There were two dead men on the floor, and you were hell bent to get to Montana to fight a war while I was standing there thinking I wanted to get as far away from Montana as humanly possible.”

He kissed her forehead. “I know. I did get a little GI Joe there for a while, but you have to believe me when I say that everything in this relationship is negotiable for the rest of our lives. We talk. Share. Discuss. Argue sometimes. But we’re not splitting apart. Because at the end of the day the only thing that matters to me in the whole world is you and making sure you’re happy.”

A tear slid from her eye. Why hadn’t she discussed this with him hours ago?

“Am I right?”

“Yes,” she breathed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t trust you to be as deeply committed as you obviously are.”

“Well, now you know.” That grin again.

She hesitated. “Are you sure you even want to consider other options? I get how important the job is.”

He lifted a brow. “Did you get how important you are? Did you miss that part?”

She swallowed. “How did I get so lucky?”

He shrugged. “I’m pretty sure I’m the one who got lucky. I was in a coma while you worked your ass off night and day for a month to make sure I survived. That’s devotion.” He tipped his head to one side. “I don’t think I’ve properly thanked you for that.”

She gave him a smile even though a few tears were still falling. “Maybe you could kiss me again?”

“Yeah?” He lifted a brow. “Do my lips have to stay in the range of your mouth?”

She flushed but shook her head. “No. I think I’d like it if they didn’t, actually.” Yeah, it was time. She might have spent most of her life waiting for the perfect man, but it didn’t get more perfect than the man she loved telling her he loved her back before ever having sex with her. That was dedication.

His mouth descended on hers as his hands slid into her hair, tipping her head to one side so he could angle her just how he wanted.

She melted against him, instantly craving the world. His tongue slid along her bottom lip, urgent, demanding, hot.

She opened her mouth to him and met his tongue with her own, tasting him while her body came fully alive. Every nerve ending made itself known. Her skin crawled with the need to get closer to him. She wanted to be naked in his arms. She wanted the promise of his lips on her skin. Everywhere.

She moaned into his mouth as she visualized what she needed.

He stepped closer, as if that were possible, his legs parting so that she stood between them, pressed against his erection.

An ache formed between her thighs, demanding attention more than ever before. There was no reason to be scared or panicked because there was no way anything could go wrong. She might flounder around a bit as she figured out all the mechanics, but she knew he would be right there with her.

I love you. His words rang in her mind.

When he finally released her lips, he set his forehead against hers and stared into her eyes, breathing heavily. He searched her gaze.

“What?” she whispered.

“Just memorizing this moment.”

Another flush stole up her cheeks at the romantic gesture. “How long do you intend to memorize before you undress me?”

He smiled. “As long as I want.” His hands slid down to her waist again and then he grabbed her hands and backed up, tugging her with him toward the bed.

Yes.

This was it. This was right. This was the time and the place.

This was her fairy tale.

Graham was nervous but only because he wanted to make this special for her. He understood the mechanics of this perfectly, but executing it might be trickier. Two virgins trying to have sex without the awkwardness. He wanted them both to remember and enjoy it. Starting right now, she was his. Forever. For a lifetime. For an eternity.

When he reached the side of the bed, he sat on the edge and pulled her between his legs. “You sure about this? If you’d rather wait, we absolutely can. If you want to be married first, we can make that happen.”

“God, no.” She shook her head vehemently. “Unless there’s a minister staying in the cabin next to ours, I’m not waiting.”

He chuckled. “Kate, I’ll find a minister if that’s what you want. I don’t want you to have sex with me if you’d rather wait. It’s not a deal breaker. It never will be.”

“No.” She set her hands on his chest and then eased them down his bare skin. “It was never about being married. I don’t care about weddings and ceremonies. It was about commitment. About me not being willing or able to give my heart away to someone until it was the right person.”

“Yeah, well, your heart is mine. But that’s not the same as your body.”

“It is for me. They’re connected. The man who took my heart would get my body at the same time.” She slid her hands up to his pecs.

He was watching the way her gaze roamed over his chest, her fingers following in the same path. Goose bumps rose on his skin. And then she shocked him by crossing her arms at her waist, grabbing her tank top by the hem, and drawing it over her head.

He was shaking with nerves, while his sweet, loving, devoted Kate was all in. She inched closer, confidently.

He fought to control his racing heart and the hard-on that scrambled his brain. Shit. Condoms. He licked his lips. “I don’t supposed you’re more prepared than me and have condoms in your bag?”

She gave him a sweet smile. “We don’t need them. I’ve been taking birth control since I woke up.”

Sweet Jesus. In order to give himself a moment, he scooted back on the bed, propped himself up on one side, and patted the mattress next to him. “Come here.” His voice cracked a little.

She surprised him again by stepping out of her shorts first and then climbing up next to him in her bra and panties. A matched set. White. Lacey. And destined to land on the floor soon, he hoped.

He set his hand on her cheek as she settled against his side. The fact that she’d stripped down to her underwear and climbed up to snuggle against him spoke volumes.

He set his gaze on her lips and then stroked her bottom lip with his thumb. He struggled to control his anxiety.

She parted her lips and then licked them, the tip of her tongue teasing his thumb. Her voice was a low whisper when she broke the silence. “I love you.”

He scooted his body closer as his hand slid down to her shoulder, and then he eased her onto her back, keeping his hand flattened on her arm so she wouldn’t see him shaking. This was seemingly more nerve-wracking for him than it was for her.

She smiled as she lifted a hand to his waist and smoothed it up his side. “Take a breath,” she whispered.

He drew in air long and slow, and then he smoothed his hand around to her belly. “I’m nervous.”

She cupped his face. “I know, but there’s no need. We can’t screw this up, remember? It’s physically impossible.”

He wanted to be strong for her, but inside he was a mess. What if he came too fast or fumbled and came before he even slid inside her? It seemed like a real possibility. “We’re not doing anything you aren’t ready for, are we?”

“No. I’m ready. Waiting won’t change my feelings.”

“I want it to be perfect,” he admitted, holding her gaze.

“It’s already perfect. Can you feel the electricity between us?”

“Yes. All the time.” She was right. There was an electricity between them, and they would get this right, though maybe not the first time.

“Those sparks are gonna explode.” Her hand slid down his back and she smoothed her fingers under the edge of his jeans. The boldest Kate he’d ever experienced, her gaze never leaving his.

His erection threatened to bust the zipper down the front. She’d seen him naked, probably dozens of times while he’d been unconscious. He intended to even that field right now. His turn to see her completely naked.

He moved his hand to her breast and cupped it through the lace. She arched her chest, gasping. Yeah, he was going to come in his jeans.

Before he got completely caught up in loving her, he wanted to fully see her, soak her in, so he lifted onto his knees and popped the front clasp on her bra. As it fell to the sides, she shivered. He slid the straps down her arms and tugged it out from under her, dropping it so that it joined her other clothes on the floor.

For a moment, he continued to hold her gaze while she pursed her lips, her body rising and falling with every breath. And then he lowered his face to take her in visually for the first time.

Her skin was several shades darker than his, the contrast mesmerizing. Her breasts were full, the nipples tight buds that stood at stiff peaks even before he’d touched them.

He eased his hand up from her waist to cup her breast, molding his palm gently around the globe and marveling at how damn lucky he was that this amazing gorgeous woman was his.

She held his forearm, but the moment he swiped his thumb over her nipple, she arched her chest again, inhaling sharply. Yes. “You like that?”

Her voice was breathy. “God, yes.”

He leaned down and kissed the pointy bud and then flicked his tongue over the tip.

She moaned. “Jesus.”

He smiled against her chest and then lifted his gaze. Maybe this wasn’t so difficult after all.

She was flushed. A moan escaped her lips when he brushed his thumb over her nipple. Every tiny reaction gave him the confidence to keep going.

She grabbed his arm, gripping so tightly her knuckles were white. “Graham…” She squirmed. “What are you waiting for?”

He smiled broader. “Savoring the moments.” Trying to keep from coming in my pants.

She rolled her eyes. “That’s cheesy. And how the hell are you so calm?”

“I’m not. I’m just hiding it. Inside, I’m freaking out a bit.” He lifted one hand so she could see the tremble.

She reached for his fingers and drew them to her lips, kissing the tips. “Okay. At least I know you’re human.”

“I’m human.” He cocked his head to one side and then lowered his face again to suck her nipple into his mouth.

She moaned, her fingers digging into his arm, undoubtedly without her knowledge.

While he continued to torment her nipple with his lips and tongue, he slid his hand down her waist to her thigh. He let his thumb caress the sensitive skin at the top of her thigh, inches from her sex. Her legs fell further apart, a sign that he was on the right track.

He released her nipple with a slight pop and eased farther up her body to claim her lips. They were parted and waiting for him, and she eagerly joined the kiss, tilting her head to one side and then sliding her tongue along his teeth.

The sweet sounds coming from her made him harder by the second, but he wanted to keep every ounce of his attention on her until she fell apart in his arms. He wanted to make her come before he did anything else. For one thing, he wanted to watch her orgasm, this time naked and open to him. For another thing, he was growing increasingly certain he wouldn’t last two seconds inside her.

As soon as she started to relax, he released her lips and quickly slid down her body, grabbing the sides of her panties and pulling them away.

Jesus. She was perfection. While he stared at her body, absorbing his good fortune, he unbuttoned and unzipped his jeans. He removed them, along with his underwear, in record time.

For a moment, they stared at each other, her lying on her back with her legs spread open, him on his knees memorizing her from above. Her gaze roamed up and down his body, making his erection bob.

When she finally moved, it was to shudder and lick her lips. “You’re making me feel self-conscious staring at me like that,” she whispered as if she weren’t ogling him in the same fashion he was her.

Before she could focus on her nudity, he returned to her side, his lips lowering to hers again.

While he devoured her mouth, he lifted his leg and situated it between hers, parting them wider. His thigh pressed against her sex, and he nearly groaned into her mouth at the feel of her warmth and the wetness that coated his leg. Apparently he was doing something right.

Still kissing her, he slid his hand higher up her thigh to her stomach, and then he turned his wrist so that his fingers eased down her belly until the tips hit their mark.

Kate moaned into his mouth, and then she pulled her head to one side, sucking in a deep breath. “Graham…” Her gaze came back to his.

He held it while he pressed a finger against her clit. “How’s that?” She was so wet that it was easy to gather some of her arousal and swirl it around the tight nub. Damn, she was hot, and she responded to him like a firecracker. Would she always be this ready for him? This eager? Hot and aroused? Thoughts of rubbing her to completion through her clothes the other night increased his confidence.

“There are no words,” she whispered. She tried to lift her hips, but he held her down with the weight of his leg between hers, trapping her thigh and making it difficult for her to squirm away from him. When her mouth fell open and her eyes widened, he knew he was hitting every mark just right.

Now he just needed to make her fall apart. Totally. The look on her face was enough to make him press his erection against her thigh. Again, he was afraid he might come before he entered her. She melted him with that shocked look of awe.

The desire to taste her was palpable, but he didn’t want to break his gaze from hers, so it would have to wait for another time. Right now, he intended to watch her face as she came.

Easing his knee away from her wet heat, he pulled her legs farther apart and slid his hand lower.

She licked her lips as he ran a finger between her lower ones. She was so wet. And her face was mesmerizing. He could grow addicted to watching her if she was always this expressive. When he pressed one finger slowly inside her, her mouth fell open again and her eyes rolled back. She tipped her head back and moaned, lifting her hips.

Her hand jerked up to grab his shoulder. “Ohmygod.”

Damn, he loved her. So much his heart was pounding. This experience was all his. No one else had ever seen her like this. No one ever would. For the rest of his life, he would own this piece of her. Thousands and thousands of times he would watch her unravel for him. It was humbling and exciting.

Her breaths came in sharp pants, her chest rising and falling. When she lifted her free leg and dug her heel into the mattress to help lift her hips higher, he glanced down. She was so unencumbered.

He eased his finger out, curving it forward to draw it across the front of her channel in the way he’d researched, and she nearly shot off the bed. No amount of Google searching had prepared him for how responsive she was.

She pressed on his shoulders. “Graham…” she whispered. “Oh God.”

When her breath hitched, he added a second finger, thrust them into her tightness, and pressed his palm against her clit. Her entire body stiffened, hips off the bed, foot digging into the mattress, hand on his shoulder.

He ground his hand down and pressed against her G-spot with both fingers. Her leg started shaking, a low moan coming from her lips, and then she cried out, an unintelligible noise that didn’t include words.

Surprising him, he felt the pulse of her orgasm against both his palm and inside her. The walls of her channel milked his fingers hard.

When the pulsing stopped, her hips dropped to the bed and her leg fell to one side, knee bent to leave her wide open. Her eyes were squeezed shut, but they gradually relaxed until she blinked them open and met his gaze. “Holy shit.”

He grinned huge. It didn’t matter that his length was throbbing with the need to be inside her. This was so much better. He continued to slide his fingers in and out of her, not wanting her to float all the way back to earth.

She sucked in air. “I had no idea.” Breathing heavily, she loosened her grip on his arm and glanced at where she’d held him. “Shit. Sorry.”

“You can squeeze my arm anytime you want.” He leaned down and kissed her breasts, first one and then the other.

She shuddered, and then she reached for his hip. “Do it again. Use something thicker and longer this time.” Her cheeks pinkened as she made the cute demand.

He finally removed his fingers, climbed between her legs, grabbed his erection, and stroked it through her swollen folds. “So bossy,” he murmured. His arm was shaking as he held himself above her. The mechanics were simple. Now that he’d touched her so intimately, he knew how easy it was going to be to slide into her. It would be tight, but the only way he could fuck up would be if he came before he got fully inside. And that couldn’t be helped.

Her hands were on his waist and then down over his ass and then climbing up his back. She held him tight as if she feared he might escape. He would never escape. Not in a million years.

Holding himself aloft with one elbow, he met her gaze and lined up with her entrance before pulling his hand out of the way. He settled his other elbow at her side, tucked his hands under her shoulders, and rubbed the tip of his erection against her.

She squirmed, either in anticipation or arousal. “Graham, do it.”

He didn’t want to hurt her, but her eyes were wide with desperation, and he couldn’t hold back any longer. So, he eased an inch or so into her.

Holy shit. Holy shit.

His eyes slid closed and he gritted his teeth, willing himself not to come too fast. But she was so tight. Warm. Wet. And her hands were racing up and down his arms. This was so much better than he ever imagined.

“Graham…” Her voice was barely audible. “Just do it,” she demanded a second time. As she spoke, she lifted her hips, forcing him deeper.

He couldn’t resist a moment longer, so he drew almost out and then thrust into her all the way.

She sucked in a breath, held it a few beats, and then blew it out. Her fingers smoothed down to his ass and gripped him. “Again.”

He lowered his forehead to the pillow beside her, fighting for control, holding his breath. Stars would have been swimming in front of his eyes if he could open them, but he was afraid to move an inch for fear he would break the spell of perfection or come.

Her fingers danced up and down his arms. “Look at me,” she whispered as one hand rose to his head and tugged.

He lifted his forehead and met her gaze, knowing he was out of control and looking at her would send him over the edge.

“You okay?” she asked.

He swallowed and gave her a lopsided grin. “Me? You’re worried about me?”

She flushed, shrugging. “Well, you’re the one not moving.”

He held her gaze. “I want to remember this, and the moment I move, I’m going to come.”

“That’s the idea,” she teased lightly, her sweet hands stroking up and down his back and arms again.

“Yeah, I would have preferred to last a bit longer.” Maybe if he talked to her, he could control his erection and stretch this out.

“Next time,” she urged, wiggling her hips.

That shattered his resolve. He pulled almost out and then eased back in fully, watching her closely as her face switched from the slightly pinched sign that he was filling her too tightly to the one he wanted to see—sheer bliss.

Her eyes fluttered shut as a smile spread. “I was so missing out. Move.”

He obliged her, gritting his teeth while trying to focus on anything but the unbelievably amazing sensation of being inside her. She looked so damn sexy with that contented smile and rosy cheeks. He concentrated on memorizing that look while he thrust in and out of her heat a few more times. She wasn’t just tight, she was gripping him to death.

And it was heaven.

When her smile fell and her lips parted again, her head tipping back and her fingers pressing into his ass, he knew she was going to come again. Amazing.

She was holding back. He could see it in her stiff expression. He lowered his face to her neck, nibbled a path to her ear, and when she shuddered, he whispered, “Can I get you to do that again?”

Her orgasm was immediate and powerful. He thrust harder and fast, not wanting to miss a moment of her euphoria. But he was only able to hold off for a few more seconds, and then he poured his love into her with the most powerful release of his life. There was simply no comparison between her tight channel and what he could do with his hand.

His arms were shaking as pulses of his come filled her. He pressed his forehead into the bed at the side of her face again, unable to lift himself until he was fully spent.

In order to avoid smashing her against the bed, he eased out and slid to her side, resting his head in the crook of her arm, one leg still between hers, gasping for breath.

She smoothed her hand up and down his arm, humming softly, perhaps not even aware.

When he was finally able to lift his face to meet her gaze, he nearly swallowed his tongue at her expression. He forced himself not to blink. She was so sated and gorgeous and sexy and happy and relaxed.

And he vowed to make her look like that every day for the rest of their lives.