This is the longest we’ve gone without each other since we got back together, and now we’re in this weird state of limbo. Sex is something we connect with and find reprieve from the real world. It isn't just out of necessity to have sex with our other half, it's part of who we are and what connected us as a couple. We physically and mentally and emotionally need each other. Not having every part is sucking the life from me.

I'm standing in our bathroom wiping off my mascara when James rounds the corner. I freeze, holding my towel tighter to my chest as my gaze drags down the length of his body. I'm in my prime and want sex all the time, I can't not look. There's something about a silver fox in black sweats that makes me question why I ever once loved gray sweats on a man. Gray is for boys who like to play with their pecker and braid their pube hair. Black is for men who like to throw you to the bed and take you from behind, all while holding your hair and fucking you into oblivion.

Masculinity oozes from him as he strides toward me with a swagger that makes my heart race. I finish blotting away the smudge under my eyes and drop the cotton ball on the counter. Our gazes don't waver. I don't turn around to face him, but I hold my breath the closer he gets to me. Placing both hands on the counter to brace myself, James steps up right behind me as if this past weekend didn't happen. He moves my wet hair to one shoulder to press a few kisses to my neck and wraps both arms around my waist. The warmth of his body presses against my back and my eyes roll shut. I'm at home in his arms and never want to leave.

"Stop fighting me," he says against my throat. He gives me a little bite then kisses it. "Give in to me."

My lips twitch. He's persistent.

"Be my wife. Say yes."

"I've missed you, James," I whisper, feeling a little emotional.

"I'm right here, sweetheart, for you to have and to hold."

I chuckle and lean into him. I needed that little moment of humor. His breath strokes the curve of my neck, making goose bumps prickle my arms. I miss the feel of his lips on mine and need them. I hope he needs mine too.

I turn my face up to his and cup the back of his head. I pray he doesn't reject me as our eyes meet.

He towers over me, which isn't easy at my height. James stares down at me as I hold my breath, testing me to make a move. His eyes are shaded by thick black lashes that makes it so easy to get lost in. He laughs when I tell him he has bedroom eyes.

James leans in and I produce a little gasp right before his lips find mine. He doesn't hold back and I'm glad he doesn't. I need him to break this awkwardness between us because I'm not big enough to. Truth be told, I'm scared.