“It’s okay,” he whispered reassuringly. “I’m okay. You can touch me, too, if you want.” I managed a smile, though every part of me still hesitated. “Are you sure?” He raised an eyebrow, then went in for a playful kiss. “Are you kidding?” He kissed me again. I’d frozen up, and he knew it would melt me. “You know I know what pain feels like, Lou. And this isn’t even close.”
