And it felt like she was being complimented for the first time in her life.

His gaze did not waver as he called her beautiful. There was no nervousness or double-meaning, or expectation of reciprocation. He was not lecherous, or demanding, or insincere.

He'd called her...beautiful.

And Emelie could tell that he'd truly meant it.

Suddenly, something other than mere lust began to stir in her chest, and Emelie rapidly reached for Carlisle, almost desperately, pulling him completely on top of her. She kissed him, hard, as her fingers clung to his shirt, greedy to get it off as quickly as possible. Seeming to sense her urgency, Carlisle helped her...