Page 136 of Taeja

He grinned. “I’ll sit with you.” He helped her off the seat and onto the floor.

She sat on the padded cushion and slowly stretched her feet out. Damon sat beside her. Taeja inched closer and held his hand.

“Don’t start kicking and screaming like the other day and accidentally push me out,” Damon joked.

Taeja snickered. “It’d be free skydiving lessons. You should be grateful.”

“We should do that another time.”

“Yu crazy?” Taeja asked. “I’m not that much of a thrill seeker yet.”

“Me either,” Damon confessed. “But I’ll do anything for you.”

Taeja looked at him with a bright smile. He smiled back at her, his handsome face radiating happiness. She felt so full of content from looking at him. Damn, this man and the things he made her feel.

“I’d do anything for you, too. I love you.”

Damon’s eyes widened, his lips parting slightly. Taeja’s heart paced faster, scared yet anticipating what he’d say.

“Damn,” was the first thing. Then, “I wanted to tell you first.”

Taeja smiled cheekily. “I heard you the first time you told me.”

His eyes widened some more, then he looked away. Was he… shy? “You weren’t sleeping?”

“I was,” Taeja admitted. “But I felt when you came in the bed and hugged me.”

Damon looked at her. She smiled as her heart beat wildly. She always felt like this around him, but it was more intense after finally getting those words out.

“I wanted to tell you at dinner,” Damon said, then he smiled. “I love you too, Taeja. Stop frowning, you’re so spoilt. I love you,baby.”

A smile broke out on her face. So wide and bright she might have been radiating glee for the entire world. The urge to hug him took control of her, and she wrapped her arms around him tightly.

Damon chuckled as he returned the hug. He kissed atop her head. They hugged for the longest while until they pulled away to a more comfortable position.

Her head was on his shoulder now, and his arm was around her waist. Watching the beautiful red and orange hues paint the sky, Taeja sighed. “Thanks, Damon.”

“No thanks needed. I’m happy you’re enjoying the ride—”

“No. Not for that. For loving me.”

“Huh?”

She chuckled at his confusion. “Thanks for loving me back,” she repeated. “I’ve loved people before. But not the type of love I have for you.”

“I’d hope not,” he laughed.

“Cho.” Taeja grinned. “I just mean that it’s nice that the first real relationship is with someone patient and gentle with me. This is all I’ve ever wanted. Everythingfeels right… with you.”

Damon held her tighter, releasing a long sigh. “It feels the same with you. You’re teaching me how to love again.”

“You’ve been in love before?”

“Once,” came his delayed answer.

Taeja didn’t answer. A question was at the tip of her tongue, but now wasn’t the time or the place.

It was bliss here in the sky with the man she loved.

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