Clearly, she wasn't getting his point and he let go of her ass to cup her cheeks, forcing her to look at him. He searched her eyes, then smiled before brushing his lips gently over hers.

After the kiss, he spoke softly against her lips. "I've got you. You've got me. But it's more than that. You get me and I'm scared to death of losing you." He kissed her again. "Carrie... I..." He took a deep breath and started again. "I love you. As dumb and dangerous as that is for me, I do."