Page 173 of Hidden Tide
I look back at Ben.
“Bring them home.”
“We will.”
“And come back to me.”
The words leave my mouth before I can stop them.
Ben’s gaze holds mine.
Everything happening around us seems to disappear.
“You said it,” he whispers.
“I know.”
“I’ve been waiting to hear it.”
“This isn’t the time to enjoy it.”
“It may be the only time you don’t take it back.”
“I’m not taking it back.”
His hand slides to the back of my neck.
He kisses me.
Not gently.
Not carefully.
He kisses me like a man making a promise he intends to keep.
When he releases me, my fingers are gripping the front of his shirt.
Scott clears his throat.
“We have approximately one hour and forty minutes.”
“Be quiet,” Ben says without looking at him.
“I was only providing operational information.”
“You enjoyed it.”
“Immensely.”
Ben brushes his thumb across my cheek.
“Stay with Marquez.”
“I will.”
He kisses my forehead before joining his team.
This time, when he walks away, I don’t feel as though I’m losing him.
