“Have I ever told you how your beautiful eyes helped ground me? And did you know you have tiny green and gold flecks in them?”

She shook her head, mesmerized by the confession.

“I was panicking about being trapped inside my body, and there you were, confident and gentle. You helped me remember I was still human.” His hand gently threaded through her hair.

His face grew blurry as involuntary tingles started behind her lids. She blinked to bring him back into focus.

“I knew when you were here with me I was safe. Someone would fight for me—even if it meant fighting me. I knew you gave a damn.”

Enthralled by his gaze, she swallowed a swell of emotion, and subtly moistened her lips.

Steady hands guided her face to his. Looking her soundly in the eyes, he placed a long, luscious kiss on her lips…