I wrap my arms around her waist and rest my forehead against hers.
“No? Because I’m in love with you just like that—completely self-destructive. I had a whole grand gesture plannedout then lit it on fire just because I didn’t have the patience to woo you. I can’t be away from you that long.”
“But you did have a grand gesture,” she whispers to me.
“You mean the company? Hardly. Your mom called me, said she wanted to help you live your dreams. She offered me a lifetime supply of produce and tarot readings.”
“Oh.” Jenna looks almost… disappointed?
“I told her I’d get you set up if she promised to never give me any more zucchini again.”
Her fingers twist in my T-shirt. “Then what was your grand gesture?”
“A giant cake shaped like a dachshund, filled with sprinkles. A cake the size of a pony.”
“Cake!”
“I opted for creeping at your window instead and watching you change.”
“You were watching me change?”
“Your tits are fucking amazing. And somehow look even better when you’re rubbing yourself when you think no one’s watching.” My hands slide up the rough fabric of the robe.
“I think it really says something about me”—her voice hitches—“that I find that really romantic.”
Buddy uses the opportunity to lean over and lick her face.
“Hey.” I scold the dog playfully and carefully swing the dog backpack down to the floor.
Jenna clasps her hands to her chest. “You’re so sweet with him.” Jenna chokes on the words.
“I told you.” I stand up as Truman and Buddy race out of the room. “It drives me crazy when you cry.”
“They’re not sad tears, though. I’m happy.”
“I’m not happy,” I whisper to her.
“You have your dog.”
“I don’t have you.” Our noses bump together. “I just want you, Jenna. You burrowed your way into my heart, and then you left, and I don’t understand why, and now I have to survive with this gaping hole in my chest. I know I shouldn’t feel this way—I only just met you, but you don’t understand. I get really attached to things and people and animals, and I love them too much, even longer than I really should. It’s a destructive kind of love, but it’s all I know.” I stroke her face. “I’ll always love you. People say that, but I mean it. I’ll always love you. I’ll never stop, even as my heart breaks day after day. I’ll always wait for you to put the pieces back together. I just want all my favorite things all in one place.”
“I’m one of your favorite things?” she whispers.
“You’re my most favorite thing.”
“That’s funny, because I get weirdly attached to people, too, especially unattainable men. It’s like a complex.”
I kiss her hand. “I’m not unattainable. I’m yours, Jenna. Always will be.”
I lean in. Hesitate. “Can I kiss you?” I whisper to her. “Even if it’s just a goodbye kiss.”
She nods.
I press my mouth to hers gently, savoring the softness of her lips.
“What kind of fucking kiss was that?” She shoves me back.
“I’m trying to be respectful,” I argue.
