VIVIAN It wasn’t —by any means— some undying declaration of love, nor did it need to be. I understood Jesse from the depths of my core because his fears, his hopes, his hesitations were the same as mine. At this point, I’d give anything for the quiet comfort of his embrace and breathtaking kisses. I guided him to my bed. I threaded my fingers between his and pulled him with me, sitting him down on the edge of the mattress before crawling into his lap. I straddled him and went straight back to kissing him, lips locked together in a perfect fit. And he was gentle. So gentle and sweet in the way he stroked my back and cupped my cheek and sucked on my bottom lip. His large hands roamed freely, curious in their exploration, but not once was he rough with me. He handled me with care, like som

