Page 77 of Ethan

Awakening to the steady beat of Daniel's heart, my head rose and fell with each of his gentle breaths. I tipped my head up. He was asleep; his head resting on the back of the couch.

He looked so serene as he slept. Nothing like the visceral fear exuded by his voice before I'd opened the door to him. He knew I was safe and that had brought him peace.

I traced a circle on his chest.

Breath in. Breath out.

I nuzzled against his neck, surrounding myself with his scent.

Here. This is where I wanted to be.

I kissed his jawline and touched his chin with my finger.

"You, sir … are my everything," I whispered. His breathing didn't change, nor would I want it to. I wasn't ready to tell him. Not when I was like this.

I tucked closer.

Against his skin, barely a silent movement of my lips, I mouthed—I love you.

The couch had become uncomfortable to sleep on. After Daniel picked up the garbage around my apartment and washed the dishes, he led me down to the bedroom.

His arms felt good around me as we lay in bed. My back to his chest, wrapped in his arms, his leg slung over my thigh, tangling our legs together. He kissed my shoulder.

"I need you to promise me you'll never do that to me again."

"Owen usually stays with me if it gets this bad."

"He's a good man but that's my job now. I'll be the one here for you."

"You're going to get sick of it—my moods."

"God, Ethan." Another kiss on my shoulder. "Never. I'll never be sick of you."

"My last relationship ended because of my depression."

"I'm sorry he couldn't be there for you, but that's not me."

"He never really tried to understand … Marcus."

"His loss. He doesn't see what I do."

I sighed. "Daniel … you have no idea what you're getting into."

"I do. My boyfriend is a kind, generous, funny, intelligent, and fabulous man."

I huffed out a short laugh. "Not sure I know that guy."

"He's right here." Daniel tugged me closer. "Right here in my arms."

I contemplated what to say next. How much did I want to tell him?

"I've tried medication. Most of it just messed me up. Made it hard to work."

"Maybe there's something new you can try."

I shrugged. "Maybe."

"Should we find out?"

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