The words were barely audible but seemed to send an electric current through Crosby. He was on his feet in a flash. I wrapped my legs around him as he lifted me, going gladly. He was through the door of my bedroom in a handful of steps. But instead of his typical playful toss, he lowered me to the bed slowly as if he were soaking up the experience.

Crosby stared down at me, my hair in a messy array around my head, and I could feel his gaze like a physical caress. Every point he touched with his sight seemed to brim with energy and heighten the pull towards him. My eyes. My hair. The apples of my cheeks. The slope of my neck.

Crosby cupped my face. “You’re so damn beautiful.”

I fought the blush that wanted to surface. Instead, I reached up to touch his cheek. The longish stubble on his face pricked at my palm, sending a new riot of sensations down my arm. “You’re beautiful, too.”

His eyebrow arched. “Not my usual compliment. But I’ll take it.”

“It’s true. And not just this.” I placed both palms against his cheeks. “But in here.” I slid a hand down to hover over the left side of his chest. Crosby had one of the best hearts I’d ever known. All he did for Zoe and the kids at the Alliance. Everything he’d done for Harriet. And the endless gifts he’d given me.

“I love you” was on the tip of my tongue. I knew it wouldn’t be received like the gift I wanted it to be. Crosby would see it as chains attempting to tie him down, when all I wanted was for the words to make him soar.

“You’re an incredible man.” It wasn’t what I wanted to say to him, but it’d have to do.

“Kenna.” The single word was almost guttural as if torn from him. But no words followed. Only actions. Each movement was painstakingly slow, almost reverent. From gently pulling my sweats from my body to tenderly sliding inside me.

The pace Crosby set was a love letter without words. Sentiments he might never say aloud but gave with his body. Each stroke seared those silent emotions to my flesh. My hips rose to meet him, seeking more, because with Crosby, I’d never have enough.

His thrusts picked up speed, golden muscles bowing and flexing as he moved. It was beautiful to watch. Crosby palmed one of my breasts, his fingers tracing my nipple, then teasing and toying. The action sent sparks through my nerve endings. But still, I needed more.

My legs hooked over his hips, heels digging into his ass. I needed him deeper. So deep, the imprint he left would never disappear. Crosby seemed to silently understand, changing his angle and his speed again. Suddenly, he was everywhere, each thrust reverberating in every muscle.