“No, but there is something you should expect from me: an apology. For everything I said in Venice. I was so cruel to you, but believe me, I never meant a word of it. I was angry and ashamed, but more than anything, I was scared. But it’s still no excuse. I should have treated you better.”

Lottie bowed her head at his admission. “I forgive you.”

Alec gave her a pained look. “Give me the chance to earn such a gift, will you?” he said hoarsely. “I came here with no expectations. I only wanted to apologize. To make sure you were safe. And to say that being able to call you a friend has been the greatest honor of my life, Lottie Carlisle.”

Lottie’s gaze grew watery as her heart burned for him. She didn’t want some other Alec who hadn’t made those mistakes, or even the man she had known five years ago. She wanted only this man. This Alec. As he was now.

As the tears began to spill down her cheeks, Alec reached out and brushed them away with his thumbs. His touch lingered there before he cupped her face in his hands. “And I will spend the rest of my days trying to deserve it. But I want you to be happy more than anything, in whatever shape that may take. Just know that I am here. I will always be here for you. As whatever you wish.”

She frowned slightly through her tears. “Are you making me a proposal of…friendship?”

Alec brought her hands to his lips. “I don’t dare ask for more,” he said with a kiss. “But my feelings are unchanged from five years ago.” As their eyes met, he suddenly shook his head. “No. No, that’s not true at all. I love you so much more, Lottie. I didn’t think it possible, but I do. You’re so brave, and kind, and strong––” He paused and shook his head again. “I’m sorry. I didn’t want to burden you with this,” he added. “It isn’t fair to––”

Lottie pressed a finger to his mouth. She was consumed with a fierce tenderness for this man who still, even now, placed her own desires above his. “Consider this my acceptance,” she said as she pulled his head down to hers. “Of all that you are. And everything you will be,” she murmured before pressing her lips to his.

Lottie had intended the kiss to communicate the sweetness in her heart.

I love you. I want you. Forever.

But it soon turned heavy with need.

Their bodies writhed and twisted together on the small window seat, each angling for the most pleasurable position until Alec managed to press Lottie’s back against the window frame. Then he tore his mouth from hers.

“I shouldn’t let you forgive me so easily, Lottie,” he panted, “but dammit, I’m such a fool when it comes to you.”

Lottie raised an eyebrow. “Respecting my ability to make decisions doesn’t make you a fool, Alec. It makes you my partner.”