There was something else he wanted to do before either of them got too far gone into things and that was the only reason he pulled his mouth away. She didn't have to worry too much though because he replaced with his thumb and instantly started circling said thumb against her nipple.

His mouth though, that was up near her ear so he could whisper, "I love you, Kate. I love you. I love you. I'm in love with you. No matter what."

Maybe she needed to hear that too.