He didn't. His eyes scoured her face and held her gaze when he finished. “I wish I could feel that serene. You looked...” He searched for the word. “Complete.”
She smiled and lowered her eyes. If he stared any more closely, he’d know exactly what she was thinking, what she’d been imagining a moment ago. He tipped her chin back up with his free hand.
“Please, don't be afraid to look at me.”
Her heart pounded in her chest and her stomach threatened to fly away with the birds and butterflies racing in it. “I-I'm not afraid.”
He narrowed his eyes. “I think you're lying.”
“No, I'm just not ready. Your eyes…” she trailed off and was compelled to touch him. Her hand rested on his face, his angular cheekbone, the stubble on his jaw. “It feels like you're going to eat me alive.”
