My heart warms at what he’s saying. Of course, it’s true. I would sooner die than allow someone to harm him, or take him from me.

Reaching forward, I fold him up in my arms, crushing him to my chest while he collapses into me, burying his face in the crook of my neck. My fingers glide up his back, treasuring the feel of him as they make their way into his hair, combing through the silken locks of platinum.

“Okay, baby,” I murmur. “I know. It’s okay… You’re right, sweet thing. I’m sorry I was upset.”

He shakes his head against me. “No, I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking. Sometimes I just… I don’t know, I get carried away wanting people to like me. Or wanting to impress them? I have no idea, but I’m sorry I scared you. I love you so much, baby.”

“Please stop apologizing.” I shush him, kissing his hair. “This is just me being crazy.” I pull his face back with my hands, forcing him to lock eyes with mine. “And you don’t need to impress anyone, or worry about them not liking you. You’re fantastic, my love. Everyone who meets you loves you. Clearly…”

I grin, squinting at him while he chuckles. I watch his Adam’s apple bob while he gazes at me.

“Did you really mean what you said before?” he asks. My head tilts while I touch his jaw and his neck and his shoulders. “That I can do anything… even run my own restaurant?”

I’m trying hard to stifle my knowing smirk as I nod slowly, sliding my thumb over his bottom lip.

“Sweet boy… the possibilities for someone as magnificent as you are truly endless.”

His breathing picks up as he melds himself to me, grasping for my face to pull me to his mouth. In a blink, we’re kissing ourselves dizzy, rough and wet and warm, spinning and spinning, standing out on the boardwalk, with people walking by… and not giving a single fuck.

Because when it comes to us, nothing else matters.

“Take me home,” he whines. “Please. Now.” His hand slides between us to cup my groin while I hum. “I need it more than I need to breathe.”

A hungry snarl leaves my lips, sneaking between his. And he eats it up like his favorite treat.

“My baby’s aching for Daddy?” I grip his ass hard and he squeaks, nodding fast.

“I need you to fill me up before I die,” he whimpers.

Giving him a few more slow kisses, I take his hand once more, pulling him along. The walk back home is less than three minutes, but it feels like an eternity. I’m ready to combust, and the whole time we’re scampering in the direction of our house, Jesse has his hands all over me.