Cody was all over her, Ellie nearly ripping off his shirt as they inched their way to the bed, where she tried to lose herself in the way he touched her, the way he smelled and tasted, the sight and feel of his body—anything to divert her mind from her conversation with Roland, Anton, Paul, the entire day.

“Whatever you do,” she whispered to Cody, “don’t be gentle.”

He wasn’t, going at her like she had stolen something from him—kissing her flesh and licking it, drinking her in like she was an oasis. He was rough, and she liked it, and she almost came when he forced her legs apart and pinned her arms against the bed, acting like he wanted to tear her apart and put her somewhere inside him—someplace where he’d know she’d be safe. His.

When it was over, Ellie was about to roll off of him when he said, “No, wait,” and then he brought her close to him, wrapped his strong arms around her back, and pressed her damp flesh against his, Ellie feeling his heart galloping along with her own, both of them trying to catch their breath, catch up to each other. He kissed her cheek and he threaded his fingers through her hair, and he kissed her again, on the mouth. “I love you,” he said, his voice cracking. “I love you so much.”

Cody was the only man she’d ever been with who felt free discussing his emotions; she was used to his saying such things. What she wasn’t used to was hearing how torn up he sounded, as if the words had been wrapped in barbed wire. It made her feel guilty, hearing him like this. She had known her departure had hurt him, but she didn’t know just how deeply it went until right now.

“That’s all you’ve got to say? What about my hair?” she said, a lame attempt to break the awkward tension ballooning inside her chest.

Cody chuckled. “It’s beautiful. You’re beautiful.”

Cody wouldn’t let her go—wouldn’t, in fact, stop squeezing her.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “For everything.”

“It’s fine.”

Although clearly it wasn’t, the way his body tensed. He tried to sell it, though, put a bow on it, when he kissed her again and said, “I love you.”

“I love you, too.” And she did. Ellie smiled into his chest and lay on top of him, the room warm and drowsy with the fading sunlight. She dozed off, and woke when he gently slid out of bed. Light was still in the room, and she saw Cody squat on his haunches. He picked his jeans up from the floor, slid a hand in the right-front pocket. What was he—?

And then she remembered: the ring. All these months, and not once had she thought about it. She didn’t want to think about it now, either. She said, “Hey.”

He started a bit, surprised by her voice. “Thought you were asleep,” he said, withdrawing his hand.