Page 87 of The Future Play

We collapse in a tangled, sweaty heap, kissing furiously, like somehow all that only took the edge off.

“Okay?” I ask, tracing the red spots on her neck.

“I’m perfect. Well, close.”

I laugh a little. “What could make it better?”

“Room service and round two.”

“You’re perfect,” I mumble as I reach for the phone.

“Weare,” she whispers.

And fuck room service. The vulnerability and happiness on her face has me ready to go again right now.

There’snothing like the feeling of Amanda’s naked body curled around mine. Her leg is thrown over my legs, and her head rests on my shoulder. Her fingers are curled into my hair, and I can feel her breath on my cheek.

It’s a perfect moment. We’ve had so many imperfect ones along the way, but I’m grateful for all of them because they got us here. I never could’ve imagined the way I’d fall for her. It changed everything, but I also thinkit’s made me better.

“I could stay like this forever,” she whispers, face buried in my neck.

I stroke my hand down her arm. “So could I.”

“I’m going to be needy and annoying when we’re apart. I hope you’re ready for that.”

“I’ll take whatever you give me. And there’s nothing needy or annoying about missing your person.” I pull her tight to me. “I’m going to miss this. Holding you in my arms is my favorite thing.”

“Please don’t make me cry,” she says with a laugh.

“I’m not trying to.” I sweep my thumb across her cheek and lean back a little so I can see her face. “I hate that being loved and wanted makes you this emotional. You deserve to be cherished, and I hate every person who has ever made you feel anything less than that.”

She gives a tiny shrug. “It wouldn’t be as special if everyone did it. It means more because it’s you. Because you chose me when you didn’t have to.”

“You’re mine, babe. I think you always have been. We just had to find each other. I know being apart is going to suck, but I need you to promise me you won’t hide your emotions from me. Call me anytime. I might not always be able to answer, but I’ll call you back the second I can. I’ll talk you through your fears, your pain… your orgasms.”

She laughs at that, then kisses my neck.

“Seriously, I promised you I will always show up when you need me, and that won’t change just because we’re in different places. I’m not going to lie and say I assume it’ll be easy. I know it won’t be. I’m sure there will be growing pains and uncomfortable moments, but I’m committed to figuring this out with you. You’re the one I want. The only one I want. I’m not willing to give up on this. My answer will always be that until you look me in the eyes and tell me we’re done, I’m all in.”

“I’m all in too. Just know I’m going to be an emotional mess. I’m kind of attached to you now.”

I pinch her side. “Literally.”

She laughs and buries her face in my shoulder again.

Wrapping my arms around her, I roll her over and lie on top of her, staring into her rich, warm eyes.

“I don’t care if you’re emotional. All I care is that you give those emotions to me. They’re mine to help calm and carry.”

“You’re too good for me,” she whispers, eyes turning glassy.

“No. We’re perfect for each other. And when we’re apart, we’re going to remember all the reasons why. Because even from a distance, we’ll still see each other in a way no one else ever has. When you’re missing me, text me. And I’ll do the same. I’ll visit you as often as I can. At least once a month.”

“You’re willing to do that?”

“Yes. I am. And one of these days, you’re going to stop questioning that and automatically trust how much I care for you.” I kiss across her collarbone. “How badly I want you.” My lips trail up her neck. “How deeply I need you.” I pull back and look into her eyes. “How much I love you.”

“I love you. Thank you for being willing to go slow. To work on this—on us. The foundation of trust we built will help us grow from here. And I want to grow with you. I want everything with you.”

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