“If you haven't guessed it already," I said, something fervent and resonating slipping into my tone, "I need you, too."

"Is that a yes?" he asked, pushing his fingers through my hair, fanning it out around my sholders and searching my face intently.

"Please let it be yes," he said with a gravelly edge. "Stay with me tonight. Let me hold you, even if that's all it is. Let me keep you safe.”