Page 223 of Tell Me Lies

She sighed. “I’m worried you’ll change your mind and start being an ass to me again.”

“I will probably be an ass sometimes, but it won’t be because I don’t want you. It will be because I have no idea how to make you happy, so I’ll make mistakes.”

“I get that. I’ll probably make mistakes, too.”

“I can handle that,” he said. He watched the different emotions cross her face. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s just that I’m not sure…”

“Spit it out.”

“Why do you want to be with me?” she asked.

Jared grunted. “Jesus, woman, how can you not know how much I love you?”

Her mouth dropped open. “You love me?”

He rolled his eyes. “Do you really think I’d put myself through this if I didn’t?”

“I guess not. I just didn’t think you would ever say that.”

Several minutes passed in silence.

“Okay. Now I’m waiting.” His eyes narrowed when he watched her try to look innocent.

“Waiting for what?”

Jared snorted. “Oh, you want to play that game?”

“Game?”

He rolled until she was under him and pinned her to the bed. “Tell me you love me.”

She giggled. “Well, I guess I could.”

“You’re pushing me,” he warned.

A wide smile crossed her face. “Fine. I love you, too.”

“It’s about fucking time.”

She laughed and then shrieked when he started to tickle her.

“No, stop. I hate that.”

“That’s good to know. Now, give me a kiss and go to sleep.”

She raised her head and kissed him sweetly on the lips.

“Good girl. Good night.”

“Good night,” she said. “I love you.”

“You better believe you do.”

“Who would have thought the school bully would finally mellow out ?”

He laughed. “I wouldn’t go that far. There might be a time or two I have to bully you again.”

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