Soon we’re tearing at each other’s clothes; she’s yanking my T-shirt up and off and I’m fumbling with the buttons on her blouse, popping one off as I rip it open to reveal her glorious cleavage against a black bra. So beautiful. I want to fall to my knees and worship her for hours, but she’s still kissing me with a fervor that takes my breath away.

Josie unclasps her bra, and my brain goes hazy. All I can think about is touching her, feeling her soft skin and hard nipples under my fingertips.

She moans, then stifles it by pressing her lips to my shoulder. I hate that she’s quieting herself with me after I’ve heard the sounds she makes when she feels safe and uninhibited. I reach down and pick her up, spinning so her back is against my bookcase. A few paperbacks fall from the shelves, but I hardly notice. Josie’s skirt rides up her thighs as she parts her legs so I can step between them.

I’m living out the fantasy I’ve had for weeks, but it feels like there’s an emotional mountain between us, and this physical connection just isn’t enough.

I know she’s not happy about this other job, but she’s got to see this was the only option. She has to understand that I’m committed to us. Is this her way of thanking me for giving it all up for her? Or is she trying to show me what I’ll be missing when I go?

I cup her face in one hand and force her to meet my eyes. “Josie, please tell me what’s wrong.”

Tears are caught on her eyelashes, and I hate myself for making her cry. But I still don’t understand why, because she won’t fucking talk to me. “Words, remember? I need words.” I lean my forehead against hers, breathing hard. “Baby. Talk to me. Please.”

My voice is ragged, desperate. And when I pull away slightly to meet her eyes, I see the same desperation reflected in hers.

“Just give me this moment, Ryan. Give me tonight before…” Her voice cracks and it breaks my heart in two.

“Josie, I…”

She swallows my words whole, her kiss hungry and urgent. It feels like a goodbye—and a flash of terror hits me. I never want to say goodbye.

We discard the rest of our clothes and fall into bed together. If she doesn’t want to talk, I’ll just have to show her how I feel. As I press my lips to her jaw and down her neck, I hope she knows I’m saying, You’re everything I want. And as I skim my hand down the curve of her waist, I hope she hears, You’re beautiful.