A heartbeat of silence passes.
She swallows. Her heart hammers behind her ribs.
Oh God. Oh no.
It’s too early. What did she do?
She’s a fool, panicking, looking for the nearest exit, but then Seth grins the most beautiful grin and says, “I love you too.”
Lacey blinks. “You do?”
“I do.” Inhaling a deep breath, Seth steps closer. His hand cups her face, his calloused thumb skimming her cheekbone. “I’ve been wantin’ to say it for so damn long now. Since the night of the party.” Her eyes widen in surprise at the admission. “But I didn’t want to scare you off. I wanted to wait for the perfect time. And this is it.”
She closes her eyes, hope and love and longing swelling inside her. “Seth ...”
But he’s not done. “And now I’m sayin’ it. I love that you are messy and wild and dramatic as hell and make me fuckin’ insane. But you’re also silly and kind and so goddamn beautiful inside and out. And I love that about you.” His eyes, his voice soften. “I love you beyond reason, Lacey.”
She shudders at his words, her heart pumping so fast it could fly out of her chest. Hot tears roll down her cheeks. “I love you so much, Seth.”
Eyes sparking, his trembling fingers reach for her face, taking it in his hands to bring her lips to his. Seth kisses her hard. A sob works its way out of both of them. Lacey lets out a happy sigh, curling her arms around Seth’s neck as he gathers her in his arms.
She has Seth’s I-love-you. A note she’ll forever live by. Locked tight in her heart like the most perfect song she’s ever heard.