Page 82 of Tasting Innocence

She giggles. “I wasn’t gonna use that word, but yeah.”

We both go quiet for a little bit, and when I finally catch my breath, I turn my head to find her chewing on her lip, looking nervous.

“What’s up?”

She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. She pulls the blanket up around her waist and looks me in the eye.

“I uh…wanted to say something, but I’m not sure.”

I prop myself up on my elbow, the creases between my brows deepening as I draw them together. “What is it?”

She lets out a nervous giggle. “Never mind. It’s silly, and now I just feel weird.”

“Tell me, Violet,” I say softly, getting closer and wrapping an arm around her, making her rest her head on my chest.

“I just really like you...a lot. I wanted to let you know.”

My finger draws invisible lines on her arms as I think. There’s no way that’s what it was. “I really like you, too. But you’re lying. That’s not what you were thinking.”

She’s quiet. “It’s not a complete lie. I do like you.”

I chuckle. “I’m glad.”

“Just forget I said anything,” she says, pulling away from me.

I stop her and turn her head to face me. “Hey. What’s going on? Don’t run from me.”

The nervousness and vulnerability in her eyes makes me realize what’s going on. At least I’m pretty sure I know where she was going with this conversation.

“It’s nothing. I promise,” she says, forcing a smile through embarrassment. “Just girly feelings, I guess,” she laughs, but I can see how flustered she is.

I sit up and hold her chin between my fingers. “My sweet Violet. It’s absolutely everything.” She tilts her head slightly. “Don’t dismiss your feelings as nothing. I love you, Vi. Don’t be afraid that I don’t, because I’m one hundred percent in love with you.”

She brings her fingers to her lips as she half laughs, half cries. “Really?”

“Of course. You’re the best thing to happen to me. With you, I don’t feel alone or unwanted. With you, I’m completely myself without worrying about being judged. With you, I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. I’d do anything to make you smile, and I always want you to be happy. If that’s not love, then I don’t know what is.”

Violet cradles my face and kisses me. When she pulls back, she says, “I love you, Dex. I’m sorry I made it weird.”

I grin. “Not weird.”

“I wanted to say it, and that was the plan, but then doubt crept in and I started thinking maybe you wouldn’t feel the same way and it would make this whole trip awkward.”

“I’m just sorry you didn’t know for sure how I feel about you. Seems like I’m gonna need to step up my game, because I never want you to question whether I love you or not.”

“You’re so sweet.”

“No, baby. That’s you. I think we should celebrate by letting me get a taste of that sweetness.”

She bites down on her lip as she smiles. “If you insist.”

I push her onto her back and lower myself between her legs. “I do. Just say it one more time.”

“I love you, Dex.”

“Mm. I love you.” I kiss her clit before gently circling it with my tongue. “I love every part of you.”

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