Page 132 of One Night

"Yeah, well, it's still a terrible way to start a love story. It's not something I could ever tell my kids or my grandkids."

"Then we'll alter it to make it more G-rated. Our kids won't have to know the truth."

Kids? Now he's talking about kids? This conversation is not going where I thought it would. I was supposed to tell him we were taking a break, and then he'd get angry and walk out, which would give me more time to think about what to do. But instead, he's planning our future, and our future kids!

"We're not having kids," I tell him. "And we're not getting married. You're moving way too fast here."

"I'm not saying we'd do these things today or next year. But I have thought about a future with you."

I've done the same thing. I've imagined a future with Dylan. Marriage. A house. Kids. The whole thing. But that was before my family fell apart.

"I don't even think I want that stuff anymore," I say.

"What stuff?"

"Marriage. Kids."

"Are you kidding? Amber, you love kids. Every time we're out and you see little kids, you smile or go over and talk to them. And you love all that wedding stuff. You've got bridal magazines in your room."

"Because I like looking at the dresses. They're pretty."

"I'm just saying, I know you want that stuff so don't act like you don't. You're just upset because of what's happening to your parents."

"It's proof that love doesn't last. And I don't want to be hurt when it ends."

"It only ends if we say it ends." He cups my cheek and our eyes meet. "I really believe we were meant to meet that night back in May. I don't know if it was fate or what you want to call it but I felt something that night that I've never felt before. That's why I kissed you before I even told you my name. It's like I couldn't stop myself. I had to kiss you. And after I did, I didn't want to let you go. I knew there was something between us."

I felt the same way. Why did we feel that way? People hook up at parties all the time and don't feel that way. They just continue on with their lives and never think about the person again. So why was it different for Dylan and me?

"I just need some time," I tell Dylan. "But you're right. My parents' divorce is what caused me to push you away this week, but I'm serious when I say I just don't think love can last."

"Then let's prove that it can."

"And if it doesn't? Then we'll both end up hurt."

"That's part of life. And if this ends, we'll survive. But I don't think it will. I never thought I'd feel this way about someone, but then you walked into my life and I finally understood what they meant in all those love ballads. That's why I was able to write one myself. You have to experience it before you can write about it."

"Dylan." I take a breath. "I love you. I really do, but I still need some time. Can you just give me that?"

He stands up. "I'll give you time but I'm not letting this be the end. I'm not letting you throw this away."

He walks off and I catch up to him at the door.

"That's not what I—"

"And don't you dare run out on me." He turns to me, anger on his face. "You did it once and I forgave you, but I won't do it again. If you decide you don't want this, you owe me an explanation why. I won't accept lies, or excuses, or the silent treatment. I want the truth, and I want you to look me in the eye when you tell me."

He leaves and I'm left standing there feeling lost and confused. What am I doing? Why do I keep running away from him? I ran from him last May and now I'm doing it again. But why? Dylan is everything I said I wanted. He's sweet, romantic, kind, smart, talented, super hot. And he loves me. So why am I letting my fears drive me away from him?

"Hey." Kira comes in the door. "Is Dylan here?"

"No. He left."

We go over to the couch and sit down.

"So what happened?" Kira asks.

"I told him I needed some time to think."

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