I bit my lip to stop myself from either laughing or answering her. Every single light was off inside the house, so I could easily see how she’d think I was sleeping or hiding. That wasn’t my surprise though. When she finally cracked open the door to my bedroom, I stayed perfectly still and perfectly calm. Fear wasn’t my goal tonight.

Kiera’s mouth dropped open as she entered my candlelit sanctuary. The softly glowing lights caressed her face, making her appear to radiate from within—she was breathtaking. After examining the room, her hazel eyes drifted to me, and the objects in my hands: a bouquet of flowers and a glass of wine.

“Kellan?” she said, her voice shaky. “What is all this? Is tonight some special occasion that I’m not aware of?” She chewed on her lip like she was worried she’d forgotten something. Adorable.

Smiling brightly, I told her, “Yes. The most beautiful girl in the world walked through my door…with her own key. That is most definitely something to celebrate.”

Her eyes drifted to the floor, and even though I couldn’t see it in the candlelight, I knew she was blushing. “Kellan, I’m not—”

Setting the flowers on my bed, I stepped up to her. “I know what you’re going to say, and yes, you are.” Cupping her face, I gently caressed her cheek. “You are the most extraordinary thing in the world to me, Kiera.”

“Because I love you…” The way she said it was laced with sadness, like my adoration was a temporary thing. Like anyone could love me, and the second someone else did, my feelings would somehow change. Like her love wasn’t enough. Like it wasn’t everything.

“No, because you’re perfect…and you love me. The best of both worlds.”

Her smile was genuine as she leaned forward to kiss me. When we separated, I handed her the glass of wine. She took a sip, her full lips curling over the rim in an intriguing way that made me wish I was her wine glass. Her eyes glanced around our romantic haven again, then she said, “This is very sweet, thank you.” I was just about to tell her that I should be thanking her when she suddenly bit her lip and her eyes turned concerned. “Kellan…you know I’m yours, right?”

“Yes.” By some miracle, some incomprehensible twist of fate, you are mine. For now. God, I did not want to think about losing her again. But maybe that wouldn’t happen. Maybe I’d get to keep her. Maybe.