Page 125 of Tormented

“You’ll see when we get there, but, Abbey?”

She tugs the hoodie on over her head. “Yeah?”

“I want you to understand somethin’ about me, about what bein’ with me will be like.”

“What’s that?” Her hands work her hair into a high pony.

“Other guys, ‘normal’ guys, they might buy you flowers, or take you out on a date. But me?” I pause and chuckle. “The only way I’ll ever show you I love you is by doing things like what we’re headin’ for now.”

Her lips part, her eyes wide. “You, uh, you just said you love me.”

I smile, stepping before her so I can place a kiss on her forehead, one hand wrapped where it belongs on the back of her neck. “Call me crazy,” I say with a chuckle as I think of Tap’s words about selfless acts and putting others first, “but yeah, I do.”