Page 127 of Less

I kiss the top of her head.

“But I guess that's just how I feel about you.”

The words leave before I can stop them.

Because I've spent too many years not saying what I feel.

Too many years running.

Too many years letting fear make my decisions.

Never again.

“Amanda?”

“Yeah?”

“I love you.”

I feel her smile before I see it.

Then she lifts her head.

And there it is.

Right on her perfect face.

She kisses my chest and settles her cheek over my heart.

“Yeah?” she teases softly. “You love me?”

I laugh.

“I'm crazy about you.”

And I am.

Hopelessly.

Completely.

“I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

The playfulness leaves her expression.

Amanda bites her lower lip the way she always does when she's nervous.

My smile fades.

“We-we don't have to make any promises right now, Less.”

“But I want to, Rusty.”

I cup her face gently.

“I want to promise you right here, right now, that I plan to love you for the rest of my life⁠—”

“Less.”