Page 130 of One Night

Dylan's stunned, his face a mix of shock and confusion. "You love me?"

All I can do is nod.

"You love me," he mutters to himself, like he can't believe it. And then he chuckles.

I swat his arm. "Why the hell are you laughing?"

"Because I was afraid to say this, thinking you'd tell me it was too soon and freak out and maybe even break up with me."

"What are you talking about? What were you afraid to say?"

He looks me in the eye. "That I love you." He picks up my hand and holds it. "That I haven't been able to stop thinking about you since the night we met. That I've never wanted anyone this much." He smiles. "But basically, that I love you."

He loves me. And I love him. So now what do I do? Apparently panic because that's what's happening.

I yank my hand from his and jump up from the couch. "I can't do this."

"Do what?"

"Be with you. It just...it just won't work."

His brows draw together in confusion. "Why not?"

"Because I love you!" I toss my hands up in frustration. "Weren't you listening?"

He laughs because my reasoning sounds ridiculous but I'm not kidding around.

"Amber, that's the craziest thing I've ever heard. You can't be with me because you love me?"

"Yes. And I know you don't understand it but I can't explain it."

"Well, you're gonna have to explain because I'm not accepting it." He leans back on the couch, spreading his arms out along the back cushions.

I sit down but say nothing.

"Amber. You better start talking or I'm going to kiss you."

"You're not kissing me." I tuck my legs into my chest, my arms wrapped around them.

"If you don't explain yourself, you're getting a kiss whether you like it or not."

"You wouldn't understand."

"Try me."

"It's complicated."

"I'm sure I'll be able to understand. I'm almost a college graduate." He smiles that damn smile that is annoyingly irresistible. He brings his arms down off the couch and slowly moves toward me. "Kiss or tell. You choose."

"Fine," I say.

He resumes his position, arms extended along the back of the couch.

I take a breath and simply say, "Love doesn't last."

"Says who?"

"Just look around. Couples are constantly breaking up. Almost everyone's divorced. The proof is out there, Dylan. Love doesn't last."

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