I pulled back slightly and looked him in the eyes. "My love," I said clearly, letting the words hang in the air between us.
"Erica?" he repeated in astonishment. "Say it again."
"My love," I repeated, watching the emotions play across his face. His eyes softened, and I saw a depth of feeling that made my heart ache with tenderness.
In that moment, the world outside the car disappeared. The scent of his cologne mingled with the cool night air drifting through the window, and the warmth of our shared space wrapped around us like a cocoon. His hand, now gentle, cupped my face as he leaned in, his breath hot against my skin.
"I love hearing you say that," he whispered, his voice filled with raw emotion. "I love you, Erica."
The connection between us deepened, the tension and worries melting away as we embraced the tenderness and passion of the moment.
