“Archer, why do you always seem so careful with me? It’s like you’re afraid of hurting me.”Aria looked at him, her eyes a little red, holding back tears.His throat tightened. He reached out and gently mussed her hair. “It’s not about being careful. It’s because I care. I don’t ever want my words to make you feel like you don’t matter to me.”And that was the difference.When he said, Don’t see Rachel anymore, okay? It wasn’t a command. It was a request, almost a plea. He lowered himself, waiting for her answer.But if he had said, ‘You’re not allowed to see Rachel again’ that would’ve been something else entirely. That would’ve been control, not care.Because he cared, every word was measured.Warmth spread through Aria’s chest, sweet and golden, like catching the scent of honey on a bright autumn day.She cupped his face in both hands, her gaze soft and full of emotion, and leaned in to kiss him. Her lips brushed his, coaxing his mouth open, and then her arms looped around h
Read more