It was our way of communicating, to get to the core of the issues, reminding me of something I once overheard my mom telling Loch. Every couple has their own way of working through a problem. As a team, they have to find their method and always respect each other.

“When I said I love you, I meant it, Lark.”

She catches her breath and lies on her back, studying my face when I sit down. “I know you love me, babe. I wouldn’t have let you come back here if I didn’t love you just as much.” Sitting up, she anchors her hand to the bed, and says, “You said you’d always come back to me.”

“I will. I promise you, I will.”

Grabbing hold of my arm, she pulls me down until we’re both lying flat on the mattress, our heads barely touching and staring up at the ceiling. It’s been a night already.

Talking about her, Liz, and then when I shared some of my history with Lucas. We talked more than I have in years. I’m usually one more for listening, but for Lark, I’ll stay up all night and talk if that’s what she prefers.

There’s just the matter of this not-so-small issue of my erection. It’s not going away. As if knowing that she’s naked under that T-shirt isn’t enough to keep me hard, I will never in my life forget the sight of her in my car, dressed the same. She’s a fantasy come to life.

I’m not usually one for sex in cars. They’re cramped and uncomfortable, but an exception will eventually be made for Lark Summerlin. I’m an asshole for thinking about her body, but she’s very distracting, and currently oblivious to how sexy she is.

Our hands bond together in the space between us. She says, “I know you will. I really do, but for me, it cuts deep that you’d walk out during an argument. You’re asking me to stand by while you process your emotions. It doesn’t work like in an argument. I need to know you’re going to stay, that you’ll fight through whatever’s upset us, and that you’ll fight for us in the end.” She turns to look at me, seeking an answer by the questions in her eyes.

The heat of her hand against my skin has me pulling her in closer, and the vulnerability in her eyes makes me want to be a better man. “We’re new at this, not just being together but being in a relationship. Relationships take time and effort. I’ll give you both.”

Although she’s silent, her expression remains thoughtful. I feel like I’m holding my breath. Not that I think she’ll break up with me, but more her believing in me enough to give us a real chance, a third chance to get this right.

She sits up and faces me. “For all the times we lay here and talk, which I love to do with you, I’ve come to learn that you’re not a wordy man. You hit straight to the heart of the matter, so I’m going to as well. I’ll give you room to process if I can rely on you to stay.”