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I breathe hard as I feel my next one until Brandon stops. He moves up to kiss my forehead. I smell my scent in his mouth.

“You okay?” he asks.

“Very much so.”

“Tired?”

“I am. Thank you very much for that too.”

His eyes sparkle as he chortles. “You’re welcome.”

“You know, I think I finally understand,” I start.

“Really?” He rests his elbow on the cushion to watch me at ease, then pulls the blanket up to cover our bodies with it, then begins to stroke my hair.

“I’m not there yet, but I will be.” I gaze into his mesmerizing gray eyes, thinking how fortunate I am that he’s mine—thankful that a man like him chose me. “I understand now. I don’t have to hide anymore. Brandon, we started this relationship full of secrets, and that’s what held us back. Can I be more open? Can I trust myself with you? Can I finally trust myself fully to be with someone?”

“Darling, you don’t have to ask. I would like to be more open with you too.” He nods, agreeing.

“We’ll tell each other what we do every day. I