Kimi's breath caught in her throat when she heard his words. Heat rushed to her cheeks as she processed what he had said. She drew in a steadying breath and opened her eyes, meeting his intense gaze. Her hand trembled slightly as she reached out to touch his muscled forearm, giving him a gentle push.
Kolton froze, confusion flickering across his features. He wondered if he had crossed a line she wasn't ready for.
"Did I do something wrong?" he asked, his palm coming up to cradle her flushed cheek.
His eyes searched hers with a mixture of concern and fear. The vulnerability in his expression revealed how terrified he was of losing her now that he finally had her in his arms.
After everything they had been through, the last thing he wanted was to push her away.
She gazed into his worried eyes and whispered, "Could we maybe take things a little slower?"
For a heartbeat, Kolton looked puzzled. Then understanding dawned on his face.
