Page 134 of When Love Takes Root

“Doing what?”

“Making me feel like I can be all over the place and still be wanted.”

“Because you can, love.”

I pressed my lips together.

He came around to the side of the bed and knelt beside it, still not touching me. His face was close now, close enough for me to see the sleep still clinging to his eyes and the restraint holding his body still.

“Celeste.”

“Yes?”

“I need you to hear me clearly. You don’t owe me anything because you slept here. You don’t owe me anything because I cooked. You don’t owe me anything because I spoke over you. You don’t owe me because I want you, and God knows I want you.”

He kept his eyes on mine. “If all you want is to talk, we’ll talk. If you want me to take you home, I’ll take you home. If you want breakfast, I’ll cook. If you want to go back to sleep, I’ll go make coffee and let you rest.” I swallowed. “And if you want me closer, you have to say that too.”

My fingers curled into the comforter. He waited. That was what undid me. He refused to shape my silence into permission and left the door in my hands.

“I want you closer,” I said.

He exhaled slowly.

“How close?”

My face went hot.

“Josiah.”

His voice softened without losing its weight. “No, love. I’m not guessing with you.”

My heart beat so hard I felt it in my throat.

I let the comforter fall from my hands. “I want you to kiss me.”

His gaze dropped to my mouth for half a second, then returned to my eyes. “That’s all?”

“No.”

His hand flexed against his thigh.

“What else?”

“I want you to touch me.”

His jaw tightened.

“What else?”

The room felt too warm. My skin felt too awake. Every fear I’d brought with me stood at the edge of the bed, but wanting him stood closer.

“I want to be with you,” I whispered.

He went still. Careful.

“Celeste.” He lifted one hand slowly and brushed his knuckles along my cheek. “Then we’re going to honor both.” My chest moved with a shaky breath. “Your nerves can stay. They don’t have to drive.” His thumb moved along my cheek. “I don’t want to be a storm passing through your life, Celeste. I want to be rain your roots can trust.” He leaned closer, and his breath touched my mouth before his lips did. “I need you here with me. Not proving anything. Not outrunning anything. Here.”

“I’m here.”