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The only thing on her mind was the love she felt for Blake, and knowing he loved her, too.

Reaching out, she traced the edge of the tattoo with her fingertips. Blake sucked in a quick but quiet breath.

“These are beautiful,” she whispered.

“Glad you like them.” He caught her hand and brought it to his lips. “But they don’t hold a candle to you.”

Devon felt her cheeks warm. If any other man had said those words, she’d have brushed them off as nothing more than a line. But not Blake. He’d never been that way with her.

Not once.

“What are you thinking?”

She blinked, meeting his curious gaze. “Nothing.” Her lips curved. “I guess I’m just a little nervous.”

Blake smiled sweetly. “Nothing has to happen tonight, Dev.”

“No, I want this,” she rushed to assure him. “I just . . . I haven’t felt this way about anyone in a very long time. Never, actually.”

Only you.

He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “Me, neither.”

“I’m scared I’m going to screw this up.” Devon studied his gaze. “You’re so important to me, Blake, and I . . .” She swallowed. “I don’t want to lose you.”

His expression turned hard.

Determined.

“That’s never going to happen,” he growled.

The man actually growled.

Devon smiled, rising up to her toes and kissing him without restraint. The last of the tension she’d carried since the fire started to fade as Blake guided them down onto the bed.

Time seemed to vanish as they worked together to rid themselves of their clothes. Devon closed her eyes, enjoying the gentle affection. Being held. Being kissed.

Being loved.

Blake shifted against the pillows, drawing her on top of him. Her heart raced as their bodies met skin-to-skin.

Devon kissed him again and felt his hand move slowly along her back. The warmth of his touch sent a pleasant shiver through her.

Blake’s hand settled at her waist as she kissed him again. She took her time, brushing her lips over his before moving to the strong line of his jaw. He tipped his head, giving her room, and she smiled against his skin when his arm tightened around her.

She shifted carefully, mindful of her sore shoulder, until she could rest against him more comfortably. His fingers slipped into her hair. Blake guided her face back to his.

The kiss that followed was anything but tentative. Devon curled her fingers around his shoulders, enjoying the warmth of his skin and the way his heartbeat quickened beneath her touch.

When they finally broke apart, Blake’s breathing was nearly as uneven as her own. She couldn’t resist a small, satisfied smile.

“Something funny?” he murmured, giving her bottom lip a playful nibble.

Devon shook her head. “Just enjoying the moment.”

He kissed her again. Hard. Their lips met, and passion erupted. And when their bodies became one, she knew she was home.

The house. The city. None of those things mattered. Only the man holding her in his arms.