Ava’s POV
The feeling of Walter's lips on mine was tender. Gentle. His hands cupped my face so carefully, it almost made me want to cry. There was no rush. No hunger. Just… warmth. Pure affection. I hadn’t felt that in so long, it almost scared me.
For the first time in forever, kissing a man didn't make me feel like I was drowning. There wasn’t that desperate need to fill an empty space, or the reckless pull toward something I knew I’d regret. No guilt clawed at my chest. There was no bitter taste of wrongness on my tongue.
It wasn’t a kiss that would lead to another mistake. It wasn’t something I’d hate myself for tomorrow.
It was just a kiss. Simple. Honest.
And God, it felt good.
Our lips moved slowly, and when his fingers brushed my cheek, I sighed into his mouth. The world arou
