"I know you do," he smiles back at her. She didn't need to say it, especially since he knows it's not always easy for her to talk about these things or make herself so vulnerable, but he has to admit it feels wonderful to hear it. Even more so when she's not the kind to say it often.

His hands swipe around her sides, holding her in for a tight hug as he cants his head and returns the kiss all too happily, lingering.