He shifted his position for a better angle and brought one hand up to cup the back of her neck, tenderly but with a hint of strength that had her melting and helpless in his arms as he leaned down to kiss her. And it was as though any brakes or controls had come off between them. They’d kissed — a lot — but she’d never felt so adored or needed, and without the need to protect her heart any further, she gave herself up to the moment.