His good looks caused Melissa's face to flush and her heart to race.

In a quiet voice, Melissa confessed, "I feel unworthy.”

She didn't see herself as good enough for him. After their intimacy, she even said, "You don't have to feel obligated towards me. We're both adults. You really don't need to take responsibility."

Marcus' eyes held a significant gaze.

Melissa was already 22 years of age; not too old or too young.

She and Ryan had been childhood friends and then lovers, yet she had saved her first time for now, indicating her conservative values.

But now, she was telling Marcus they were adults and he didn't need to feel responsible.

Was she being naive?

Marcus typically enjoyed teasing Melissa and seeing her in a state of confusion, but not this time. He wanted to be clear and earnest with her. He was serious about her and wanted to treat her as an equal.

The thought of teasing and guilty pleasures, Marcus decided, could wait until after marriage.

In truth, he was puzzled by his own readiness to forgive her.

Maybe it was love's inexplicable nature.

He chose not to delve deeper into it.

Marcus was a man who believed in action. His role was to take care of Melissa, while Sylvia would manage everything else about her.

He reclined against the headboard, pulling Melissa into his embrace.

Dialing the internal line, he ordered an array of dishes. Melissa's cheeks were tinged with red. He leaned in, whispering in her ear, "I'm hungry."

His proximity was overwhelming.

She found herself leaning against his shoulder and neck. A simple glance upward revealed his perfect chin. The pleasant scent of his body filled her senses. Marcus looked so striking, he almost seemed to glow.

Melissa felt like she was in a dream.

Could she truly be with this man?