His eyes flicker up to her face, startled to hear that tiny gasp of breath, as if he'd forgotten she was even there. He hadn't, of course, and the sound was enough to shake him out of whatever worries were currently replaying in his head.

He didn't kiss her like he worshiped her. He didn't touch every inch of her body. He had a hard time even bringing himself to spend any time on her, but he wasn't completely capable of learning. Step by tiny step, he was becoming less of a clumsy-handed bastard in bed. It was, even without much exaggeration, a miracle.

Still, it was a bit of a surprise, even to him, when he ducked his head and pressed his lips to her belly, just below the navel where her skin was softest.