He kissed her until they were left breathless. And then their clothes were gone, and Xavier stared into her eyes as he made love to her. The intensity of their joining stole any need to keep herself apart from him, and she gave all of herself, letting Xavier have everything.

That love pushed her orgasm into a different realm, the pleasure so intense, made even more so when he stiffened and released, their bodies joined as one.

The ecstasy seemed to last forever, but when he finally pulled back, he stared at her with love in his eyes. “Justine…”

“You don’t have to say it, Xavier.” But she wanted him to. “I know it’s soon, but it just popped out.” And she’d allow herself this moment to revel in feeling so much for someone again.

“I feel the same way,” he admitted in a rush.

She wanted to cry out with joy but saw his hesitation and waited.

He blew out a breath. “You scare the crap out of me.”

“Me?” She’d never made anyone afraid. “Why?”

“Because you matter so much. Look, when I eventually get stupid, just remember I’m a guy and I overthink everything. Promise you’ll give me a little leeway when I upset you.”

She laughed. “You’re overthinking things right now. You’re buried inside me, we both love each other, and you’re warning me of your downsides. Relax, baby. And feel what you do to me.”

She distracted him with her body, her heart so full she couldn’t handle much more. But after they spent the evening playing, she went back to her apartment with promises to talk the next day.

She needed a little space after all that sharing, and she could tell he did to.

Because when she said she would be heading back to her place for the night, he didn’t try to stop her.

CHAPTER 34

Justine sat by Xavier on the ride to his mother’s house for a July 4^th cookout. The last few days had been magical, filled with an eager need to see each other while also maintaining some healthy space.

Xavier had explained it all the following day. “I need you to trust me. I’ve seen so many couples rush into things. I want you all the time. But I don’t want to overwhelm you. I suggest we keep things the way they are. You set the rules for us, and if I have a problem, I’ll tell you.”

Again, the man wanted her to set boundaries, giving her a sense of control over their relationship that took all the pressure off her trying to meet his demands. Yet… He seemed to want space between them but wouldn’t admit it. And that told her to keep a bit of distance. How strange for Xavier to act skittish after admitting he loved her. He hadn’t exactly said the words, but he kind of had. Hadn’t he?

She didn’t know much, only that she walked on clouds, in love with a man who gave her orgasms, made her laugh, and made the world a little brighter just by being with him. She could almost put her work worries behind her, though after the 4^th, she’d have to get back to the grind.