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“Felt what?”
“All night, it got worse, this gaping hole in my gut. The only thing that filled it was thinking about you.”
I stare back at him.
“I think I needed that. I needed to realize I might lose you. That I would lose you if I didn’t figure it out.”
“No, I, we… I was too harsh. Too impatient.”
“It killed me watching you walk away.”
“It killed me too.”
“But I needed it.” His voice is steady. Sure. “I thought about my future. And I see you, Leigh. I see myself waking up next to you. Arguing about whether we should have medium roast or French roast. I see you teasing me about wearing nothing but black. And I see you standing in our bathroom, perfecting your makeup, rolling your eyes when I insist you look great without it. I see us getting our own place. Getting married. Having a family.”
“Ryan…”
“I love you, Leighton.”
My heart thuds against my chest.
He rests his palm on my cheek. Rubs my temple with his thumb. “I love you so fucking much, it hurts.”
“I love you too.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t see it. The word felt like a weapon or a wound. And you were the opposite of that, baby. You are. You’re an angel. You’re my salvation. You’re everything.”
“I…”
He turns to his side and rolls his jeans down his hip.
It’s there, in big, bold letters.
Leighton
With wings on each side.
It’s still wrapped in plastic.
His skin is still raised, red, raw.
“When?” I stare at the ink.
“When I got in. Then I came here.”
“Ryan…”
“You like it.”
“I love it.” I stare into his eyes. “I… I love you.”
“I love you too.”
He brings his lips to mine. His kiss is soft, sweet. It’s every ounce of love and affection in the world.
It’s mine.
He pulls back with a sigh. “I’m not gonna lie. I’m never gonna be normal. I’m done with Penny, but those scars aren’t going anywhere. I’m gonna worry I’m not enough for you. I’m gonna wonder if you’re looking elsewhere. I’m gonna turn over bad moods and quiet days and every time you get home late. But I’m gonna tell you what I’m thinking. I’m gonna ask you for the reassurance I need.”
