Kathrine's fingers curled instinctively into his shirt.
For a long second, neither of them moved. The tension stretched tight, humming, fragile. Then Ethan exhaled and rested his forehead against hers instead of closing the distance.
"But only if you want it," he added softly. "Only if you're sure."
Kathrine's heart pounded so hard she was certain he could feel it.
She didn't answer with words.
She tilted her chin up, closing the last sliver of space on her own.
Ethan's breath hitched—but even then, he kissed her slowly, deliberately, like this moment mattered. Like she mattered. And when he finally pulled back, his thumb brushed her cheek with reverence, not urgency.
"Stay," he whispered.
Kathrine smiled, breathless, and stayed before he claimed her lips once again.
Kathrine's fingers slid into his hair, threading through the silky strands as the kiss deepened.
