Page 219 of End Game

Then I realize he's serious. “You weren't trying to?”

“No.” Ronan settles beside me, close but not touching until I shift toward him first. “I was trying to keep you focused and give you control by making the expectations predictable.”

“That apparently has the opposite effect.”

“Apparently.”

I think about it.

About the silence.

How fucking good it felt not to be responsible for anything.

“That wasn't deep.”

“No.” There's no hesitation in his answer. “You were responsive the entire time. You knew where you were. You came back quickly.”

I nod slowly.

Ronan's gaze stays on me. “How do you feel?”

“Good.”

He waits.

I know that trick.

“Really good,” I clarify. “A little… weird.”

“Weird how?”

I search for language that doesn't sound stupid. “Like somebody turned off a machine I didn't know was running.”

His expression softens.

Fuck.

I love him.

The thought appears with no warning.

Not I could love him.

Not I'm falling for him.

Just the truth, sitting there in my chest like it has been waiting for me to notice it.

I don't say it.

This night already has enough milestones.

Instead, I reach for him.

Ronan sees it coming and lets me put my hand against his chest.

“Thank you,” I say.

He covers my hand with his. “You're welcome.”