Shit, woman, I’m madly in love with you too. Even though you drive me to distraction. Even though you keep running. And once she stops running, I will entrust her with my truths, because I want more than anything to have this woman forever. For her to accept me in my entirety.

I prop myself up on my arms, inhale, and rear back, driving forward slowly, withdrawing slowly, slipping back in slowly. “Ava, when you’re tempted to run again, think about how you feel right now,” I say, barely able to talk through the pleasure but needing to say it. “Think about me.”

She nods, swallowing. “Yes,” she replies, low and husky, rolling her hips to meet my advances. I gulp and dip, catching her lips, our tongues falling into the same lazy pace as our lovemaking. “Does that feel good?” I ask, my heart frantic but peaceful.

“Too good.”

“It does.” Fuck, it does. “Are you there, lady?” She’s tightening around me, squeezing my dick.

“I’m there,” she confirms, biting at my tongue, her hands all over my back.

“I’ve got you, baby.” She starts to stiffen. “Let it go.”

She cries out, the sound incredible, her face twisting, her body vibrating. The vision is like nothing else, her moan long, and it’s the end of me. It doesn’t take any effort on my part to join her in her release, my body naturally following hers. I come quietly, maintaining our kiss as I close my eyes and struggle through the sensitivity. She’s wringing me for everything I have. More than she’ll ever know. “God, I’ve missed you.” I plant my face in her neck and inhale her hot, wet skin, lifting my hips to slip out of her and falling to my back. I raise an arm in silent order, and she quickly tucks herself into me.

“I love sleepy sex with you,” she says quietly, and I smile, brushing away some hair that’s sticking to her cheek.

“That wasn’t sleepy sex, baby.”

“What was it, then?”

I lean down and place my mouth on her forehead. “That was catching-up sex.”

“I like catching-up sex, then.”

“Don’t like it too much. It won’t happen very often.”

“Why?”

“Because, lady, you won’t be running away from me again, and I don’t plan on being away from you very often either.” Let’s be clear. “If ever.”

Her leg is tossed over mine and I take her knee, trying to ignore where she’s stroking me on my abdomen. Don’t ask, don’t ask, don’t ask.

“How did this happen?”

“How did what happen, Ava?” I sound short, but it’s hard not to resent anything that could pop our bubble. How that scar came to be could definitely pop our bubble.

“Nothing,” she says quietly, sounding stung.