Kody’s smile widened, amusement dancing in his eyes as he finally spoke, “Not until you answer me first. I’ll answer yours today, I promise.”
Before I could protest, he leaned in and captured my lips in a slow, lingering kiss—a kiss that made it very clear I had lost this battle.
But at this point, I didn’t care.
If losing meant feeling this warmth, this connection, then maybe losing wasn’t so bad after all.
When he pulled away, I took a deep breath, grounding myself. His presence was like a shield around me, but it also made it impossible to ignore what I had been thinking.
And if he really wanted my answer—then I would give it to him.
I met his gaze, my voice steady but filled with truth.
“That if it wasn’t because you’re beside me,” I admitted, choosing not to sugarcoat it, “they
