Jessa swallowed back her tears. She leaned into the bathroom mirror and wiped away a flak of

mascara that had landed on her cheek. She couldn't be crying like this now, not after so much waiting.

Austin was a beautiful man who had been very patient with her over these last few months,

so Jessa adjusted to life as a single mother in a new relationship. She hadn't expected her

marriage to end, and now she had to face dating

someone when her body still felt so foreign to her. Are you okay? asked Austin softly,

standing on the other side of the doorway. I'm here, Jessa. Do you want to talk? There was a pause, and then Jessa opened the

door and gave him a sad smile. But Austin wasn't just looking at her face. His gaze ran up and down

Jessa's soft, curvy body. She was wearing a matching bra and panty set, lacy,

and in a deep emerald green. But her arms were covering her stomach as she shifted uncomfortably

where she stood. I just feel self-conscious. I don't think it looks good. Austin's jaw dropped open.

Jessa, are you kidding me? Hey. He spoke so gently and tenderly that it almost made Jessa want to cry.

You are so beautiful, so sexy. He cupped his hand on the side of her face and ran his

thumb over her cheek, and Jessa brought her hand up to meet his. Austin was good. He was so good,

so patient, so sweet.

Jessa could feel herself beginning to relax.

There's nothing about your body that I don't like.

Austin was holding her hands now, dangling between them.

I mean that.

He took a step closer, brushed back Jessa's light brown hair and kissed her neck.

I like your gorgeous brown eyes. He mumbled into her ear. I like your breasts and how they look

in this skimpy little bra. I like your cute stomach. I like the tattoo on your hip. Jessa swallowed hard.

...