She returned that smile with one of her own, a brief but truly happy smile that masked the ache that still resided in the depths of her heart. He'd chased away a great deal of it, but the rest would take time.

"I just want you," she admitted just as quietly, sliding her hands up his chest to lay one along his jaw and the other on his shoulder. Having him so close, touching her, kissing her... There was absolutely nothing else that could compare to that feeling.