The kiss started off tentative, almost hesitant, like Rip was expecting me to pull back or push him away. Instead, I stood up on my toes and pulled his head down toward me, wrapping my arms around the back of his neck.
I let out a contented sigh when he brought me even closer to him and deepened the kiss. It was like he was trying to push himself into every corner of my body and mind, and I welcomed him.
I never wanted it to stop.
However, after what seemed like a lifetime, he slowly pulled back, his eyes searching my face as if looking for confirmation that I was okay with what had just happened.
"You are perfect," he whispered, placing another kiss on my forehead.
Letting go of his neck so he could stand up straight, I rested my head against his chest. How I wish this were all real…
"It is," he assured me, seemingly reading my mind. "It is as real as it can get, and it will never change."
