Page 110 of The Storm

“Against my better judgment,” he says. For a moment, I swear he looks terrified. But then he’s kissing me again.

“I love you,” he says when he pulls away. “I fucking love you.”

I draw in a shaky breath followed by a long gulp of air to try and fight the overwhelming emotions that are rising up inside me like a tidal wave.

“I love you too,” I say. “So much.”

We sit in silence after and watch the sunrise, the waves lapping at the shore, the breeze ruffling our hair.

I never want to leave.

He finally breaks the moment by getting up and holding his hand out to me. I grab it, and he pulls me to my feet.

He throws his arm over my shoulders, pulls me against him, and plants a kiss on my temple before we start to walk to the hotel.

THIRTY-ONE

INDY

I’m giddy with love.

Fascinated by infatuation.

Filled with adoration.

Butterflies swoop around in my belly, and my chest jolts with joy.

Fireworks explode inside me day and night.

Because of him.

Because I’m in love.

With a man.

I’m in love with a man.

The coolest guy.

The perfect dude.

A funny, smart, gorgeous person.

He makes me stupid with fascination.

I hang on his words and laugh at all his jokes. He tells the best jokes. I follow him with my gaze and eat him with my eyes. He’s delicious. I link my fingers with his when we walk down the street.

My lips are constantly swollen from his kisses.

My heart only has room for him.

I want to use all the silliest pet names. Shout them from the rooftops. Let everybody know.

He’s my baby.

My darling.

My love.