“I’d tell her the risks and recommend counseling, just in case her baby is born positive. I know positive women who choose to give birth and I’m happy for them, I really am, but I don’t think I could handle passing the virus to a baby. And if that baby was deaf and HIV positive?” She shook her head. “If it happened, I’d be there for my child, don’t get me wrong. But I’m happy fostering kids that need me. I also love my career, and a baby changes everything.” She looked down to stare at their shoes, not wanting to see his disappointment at her next confession. “And I know it’s selfish, but I raised Greg. I was basically a single mom at sixteen. I’ve done the midnight feedings. I’ve been through teething and colic and chicken pox. I’m okay with not doing that again.”

He hooked a finger under her chin and lifted it so that she looked at him. There was no trace of disappointment. No censure. Only tenderness and hope.

The hope nearly broke her. Please don’t let me hurt him. But this time her prayer was because she was keeping him, not sending him away.

“Not selfish,” he murmured. “Honest. And I understand your reasons. I can live with them, as long as adoption remains on the table.”

“It does,” she said.

His smile stole her breath. “Good. Next?”

“My levels are undetectable, but that could change. I could get . . . sick.”

His gaze didn’t falter. “I know. You’re asking again for me to prove I won’t leave. I can only give you my word, Dani. I’m not afraid of sickness.”

One corner of her mouth lifted. “Or doctors. Not anymore.”

He brushed a kiss over her lips, sending shivers rippling across her skin. “It was a phobia worth conquering.”

She closed her eyes, wanting to preserve the moment, the feeling of his mouth on hers, but she needed to finish this. “I could die, Diesel,” she whispered against his lips.

“So could I. I could get hit by a bus tomorrow.”

Stone’s words returned, chilling her. Or that damn bullet could pierce your heart, you stubborn man. That issue she planned to address ASAP, but she let it go for now.

She leaned in, resting her forehead against his solid chest, unable to meet his eyes for this next part. “You’ll need to wear . . . you know. Protection. Always. When we have sex.”

Because we will. She wanted it. She wanted him. She always had.

“God. Dani.” She felt his big body shudder. “I know,” he growled, and her knees actually buckled. Clutching his shirt with both hands, she held on as his arms tightened around her. Holding her close.

Where I belong. It was crystal clear. She belonged here. With him. In his arms. Why did I deny this for so long?