Chapter 42: Chapter 42

"Peyton?"

"Open your eyes."

He hadn't realized he'd closed them, but he did what she said.

Her hand settled on his jaw, and her warm, delicate fingers stroked his cheek. The other caressed his back in a soothing, circular motion. "I love you."

There. Yes, right there. Like she'd always done, she climbed inside his mind and ceased the chaos. Filled the dark, empty spaces.

Keeping one hand on the headboard, he slid his other arm between her and the mattress and sunk his fingers in her hair. Gaze pinned to hers, he pulled out and gradually thrust back in. The pace was so measured there wasn't an inch of him that didn't suffer the torment. In awe, he repeated the motion, and knew this was what he'd been missing. This was the difference between mere physical release and having his whole system engaged. The result being sheer, unadulterated bliss.