Page 127 of A Lie so Dangerous and Fragile

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I threw a blanket around me and asked for tea when we got on the plane. Tristan stood down the aisle leaning on a seat as he spoke on the phone. I watched him. He loosened his tie and undid three buttons on his dress shirt as he spoke. He caught me staring, and I didn’t try to hide it. He was silent as he watched me watch him. His thumb brushed the corner of his mouth as his eyes lingered on my face. I was still on cloud nine from the date in Paris, and there was so much I wanted to say to him. He looked away from me, as if he had forgotten he was on the phone. I didn’t take my eyes off him because I was having a moment of truth within me and I couldn’t fight it off. Without a doubt, I just knew. It was so clear now as I stared at him. I loved him. All of him.

He finished on the phone and approached me with a small smile that sent sweet currents through my body.

“Everything okay?” he asked.

“Yeah,” I mumbled.

“You’re staring at me so intensely.” He laughed, and the sound echoed through my body.

I said nothing but stared at him.

“Are you sure you’re good?” he asked, sounding concerned now.

“Mmhmm.” I nodded.

“Chloe?” he called.

I felt nervous and excited at the same time.

“You’re scaring me now. Are you—”

“I love you.” I said the words quickly, and I wasn’t sure if he had heard me.

“What?”

“I said, I love you.” I pulled the blanket aside and sat up.

He was silent, staring at me like he hadn’t heard a word I said.

“Do you mean it?” I heard him ask, as if there was no possible reason for me to ever say those words to him.

“Yes.” I grinned.

“Say it again.” He walked closer and took the seat in front of me.

“I. Love. You. Tristan. Sanchester.” I smiled.

He took my hand and pulled me to his lap.

“Again.” He kissed my throat and shoulder.

“I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you,” I repeated, giggling.

“I will never get tired of hearing that,” he said against my lips and kissed me passionately. Every nerve in my body came to life.

“I’m not sure any other date can top this one,” I told him, cupping his face with my other hand.

“If I have to fly you to the moon for our next date, I would,” he said, and I laughed.

“Please tell me we’re visiting Paris again.” I pouted.

“Anytime you want.” He smiled, tilting his head back to look at me.

I leaned closer, and my nose brushed over his. His grip tightened around my waist.

“I love you, Tristan. ” I whispered against his lips with a genuine smile that reflected my feelings.

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