"Come on, cupcake, don't overthink it," he said, moving closer and cupping my face. "If I had waited till you woke up, you'd still be confused," he continued, "and definitely ashamed. I didn't want your first clear memory to be you thinking you did something wrong… or for you to think I'm a creep."
"You stayed?" I murmured.
"Of course I did," he replied simply.
"I must have embarrassed you!" I blurted, immediately covering my face with my palms.
He chuckled softly, then more gently added, "Hey… look at me."
I hesitated before lowering my hands. His expression wasn't teasing anymore—it was soft.
"You don't have to feel embarrassed with me," he said. Nathan's hand moved hesitantly, giving me time to pull away. When I didn't, his fingers curled around mine.
"I'm glad it was you," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.
His eyes softened further as he said, "I wouldn't even let another man lay his hands on you. It doesn't matter where you are."
