Page 69 of Every Inch of You
Finally, he pulled away from me so he couldspeak.
He led me back into the room and shut the door before cradling my face in his hands and looking me straight in theeyes.
“I love you, Vivian. I always have. I was so head over heels in love with you in high school. You’re the only girl I’ve ever loved. I never stopped lovingyou.”
I looked at him, disbelieving. “Really?”
“Of course really.Idiot.”
“I thought I’d lostyou.”
“I thought I’d lostyou.”
“No neverno.”
“I rode the ferry around the islands and then came back. All I could think about was how I wished you were with me. And I realized what a moron I was for never telling you this out loud. I always want you withme.”
“Good.” I was kissing him all over hisface.
“I’m notperfect.”
“I know. I mean, physically youare.”
“Yeah, but inside I’m still insecure and confused about who I am and how to be, and this is all so new to me—being in a relationship. I’m not making excuses, but I need you to remember that and I need you to tell me if I’m being adick.”
“Okay.”
“You look so beautiful in thatdress.”
“Thank you. You look beautiful in thatsuit.”
We immediately started removing each other’s beautiful clothes as we headed for thebed.
“Oh my God I’ve missedyou.”
“I never want to go this long without seeing youagain.”
Feeling the weight of him on top of me as we kissed on the bed made me so happy I felt like singing, and I realized that I was humming into hismouth.
“Wait!” I pulled my lips away from his. “Who’s looking afterLB?!”
“Sebastian is feeding her and cleaning her litter box twice aday.”
“I thought he said he’s allergic tocats.”
“He is. Penance.” He went back to kissing my abdomen. “Oh God, this body. I’ve missed this body. Vivian Sparks. I love every inch ofyou.”
“I love every single inch of you.” I lifted his face up so he could see mine. “Do you understand that? I love who you are and I love who you were. I love FatBrad.”
He lowered his head to my belly and wrapped his arms aroundme.
“I do. You don’t have to be Mitch with me. I mean, you can if you want to, he’s pretty hot, but…you can trust me. And I’ll trust you.Okay?”
He nodded his head and held metighter.
* * *
Bradand I returned to the party, arm in arm. When people saw Brad, I swear their jaws dropped. He was so handsome in his suit, I saw my Grandma do a double-take and her eyes practically popped out of her head. My Mom kept touching Brad’s arms. My Dad kept shaking his head and saying he really needs to start exercising. My sister asked if she could see Brad’s abs, and heobliged.
