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“I kind of like this.”

“Teasing me?”

Zara wrapped her arms around his neck. “Delayed gratification.”

He laughed so hard he tipped his head back into her hands. “You could call it that.” He inched his face closer but stopped shy.

Their cheeks brushed.

She could barely breathe, and their lips hadn’t even touched yet. The anticipation was going to kill her.

His breath was warm against her ear.

“You have done this before, right?”

He released a deep chuckle. “I have. I’m not as innocent as my mom would like to believe.”

“Oh dear.”

Will moved his face back enough to look in her eyes. The desire in his eyes stole her breath.

Without any more hesitation, Will brought his lips to hers.

The passion in his kiss was more tender than any kiss she’d ever received.

She pressed into him, and their lips moved in a synchronous dance of delight. His lips were still salty from his french fries.

She’d never felt so safe in a man’s arms. There was no sense that he was going to try to take advantage of her or that he was here to get his. And neither was she. They were both present in the kiss.

They both drew out of the kiss and tried to catch their breath. Will traced her cheekbone before lifting her chin. With their eyes locked, they shared an intimate gaze. It was the tenderest moment she’d ever experienced.

She didn’t want it to end. But she knew it would. Nothing this good could last, could it?

Will’s brows furrowed slightly.

Her expression must have given away her thought.

Her vision blurred with moisture, and she couldn’t find words.

“Hey. We got this.”

“I don’t want it to end. But the fear. It’s so intense.”

“I know. But trust me.”

“I want to.”

“That’s a step in the right direction. And I hope I can prove to you that above all, God is trustworthy. We have to trust Him with this. With everything.”

She nodded. “Show me again how much I can trust you.”

He chuckled. “You don’t have to ask that twice.”

He met her lips again. Slow, steady, and reassuring. When they pulled back this time, she went onto her toes and wrapped her arms tightly around Will’s neck.

His arms held her with more strength than was physical.

Thank You, Lord, for this man who points me to You. Help me to trust him and You with this relationship.