Chapter 78

“Oh,” Nick teased me, “there’s the O’Reilly I remember. All shy and charming.” He leaned in and with a sensuality that bent my knees, ran the tip of his tongue along my lips. “Hm, you taste like innocence,” he whispered. His eyes were sad again.

And I remembered the night’s confessions. “Are you okay?” I said, folding my fingers over his.

“I feel a little raw.”

“Yeah…but can I say something?”

He stared into my eyes and sighed. “Not yet.”

“Why won’t you let me say those precious—”

“Because things are changing for me in a way I can’t explain to you right now. And I think that you might freak out and regret saying anything.” He looked around the bare loft, frowning. “I need to get some furniture.”

“Tell me, Nick. You can talk to me.”

“I know I can.” He closed his eyes and leaned his forehead to mine. “That’s why I need you in my life.”

My mouth popped open and I stared at him with wide eyes.

“Wow,” he said, laughing nervously. “I’ve never said that to anyone before.”