My eyes pop open. Bed, my naked back, Jace, and I do not remember last night. I flip over pulling the sheet up to my chin.

"Did we? Last night? Us? How?" I stuttered.

"Well, let me take these one at a time." said Jace putting on his best thoughtful look.. Eyes to the ceiling, pointer finger tapping his chin.

"No" he said; his eyes suddenly full of compassion. "Nothing happened that you have to worry about."

"But something happened?" I asked.

"Yeah." said Jace. "I said…" Time started moving in slow motion.

"You said what?"

"I said "I love you.'" he said with eyes averted.

"You are sorry you said it." I said. Jace was nodding his head in agreement. Then he caught my face in his hands, gently tilting my head so I was looking right into his enchanting stare.

"I am sorry it took me so long to know how I feel about you." said Jace. I started to sniff, tears welling up. Jace became a blur as we embraced.