"We're okay," she said, and smiled a little; Jack was being persistent in wanting to get her bra off, so she slid her arms out of it and pushed it away. He was being careful with her, even after telling her how much he wanted to be with her, and it meant more to her than she could ever really explain to him.

She slid her hand down his chest, and then, after a brief hesitation, smoothed it over his stomach. "We're okay," she repeated. "Promise."