“Kiss me,” Kaitlyn breathes against my lips. “Make me forget about all of the bad things.”

Reaching a hand up, I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, and the shorter face-framing pieces fall back against her face.

I look her in the eyes, and my stomach burns when I see she is already staring, watching me with a desire of longing and lingering sadness.

My entire face flushes, cheeks fading to a deep red that I am thankful she cannot see in the darkness of the car.

“You’re beautiful, Kaitlyn,” I whisper, gently sliding one hand up and down her right thigh as I drag my fingertips along her left arm.

Leaning her forehead against mine, she closes her eyes and tells me, “My heart hurts with a heaviness I can’t carry anymore.”

Pursing my lips, I bite my bottom one and then lick it before deciding that I need her closer to me.

I wrap both arms around her back and pull her flush against my chest.

She adjusts her hips on my lap, and a small jolt of pleasure causes my legs to tense up.

Sucking in a sharp breath, I cup her jaw and lift her face from mine.

“Then let me carry it for you.”