Page 106 of The Deep End

“What? I thought we were close enough for making these kind of promises again.”

I laughed and hooked my finger around his. “We are.”

He kissed his thumb and then moved to kiss me. “I love you.”

My stomach flipped. We hadn’t said that yet. We’d meant it… I think. At least, I did in my actions. But I didn’t dare speak it in fear of getting a blank stare in return. The blank stare I was currently giving him.

“I love you too,” I said quickly. My heart swelled at the chance to finally say the words out loud. Leo’s eyes lit up and he leaned in, resting his forehead on mine. I could feel his heartbeat speed up as his chest pressed against my palm.

“Don’t feel like you have to say it because I said it, Kira. I’ll be here whenever you’re ready. I’m more than happy to wait.”

“I’m ready.” I pressed my lips to his, feeling my body warm with an influx of emotion. He kissed me back with as much fire and tenderness.

“You sure?” He studied me, making sure I didn’t feel pressured.

“I love you, Leo,” I repeated firmly against his lips. “I’ve loved you for what feels like forever.”

He nodded and tightened his grip on my waist. “It feels like forever for me too. You and I, forever. I love the sound of it.”

“Me too.” I sighed, more content than I’ve ever been.

Leo kissed me and like usual, we got lost in each other. We were lost, together, in our forever.