1
Zane looks pensive, and then his lips twitch. “They say most girls end up marrying a guy just like their dad.”“ Oh God … That’s so lame, ” I say, spluttering as coffee dribbles down my chin. “I believe it’s a tried and tested theory, ” he says, standing up and wiping my chin with the back of his hand. I jolt at his touch.“ Now it’s a theory? I thought it was a saying? Next you’ll be telling me it’s a fact.” I flop back down on the couch.“ Empirical evidence shows that sixty-eight percent of girls marry a guy who displays similar personality traits to her father ..” His voice trails off as I shake my head. “What?” he asks, his palms open and raised.“ You really need to get out more. Where’d you glean that interesting nugget? The desperate men’s journal perhaps? .Siobhan Davis
2
For the first time, with complete clarity and absolute conviction, I know I love him entirely with all that I have, everything I am, and who I’m going to be. Of course, I’ve told him before, but not like this, not with the fierce swelling of love and fervent determination that I feel ebbing and flowing inside me, as vital as the air I breathe. Before–when I said it–it was borne out of immaturity, or necessity, or maybe just plain old lust. Now I radiate with the veracity of my love and this newfound truth that we really are meant to be. .Siobhan Davis
3
Oh, oh. My heart starts that quivering, fluttering thing it does whenever he hints at his desire for me. Lacing his fingers through mine, he moves to close the gap between us. I know he’s only holding my hand, but it’s the manner in which his fingers curl around mine, and the way his eyes bore into me that makes it seem much more intimate.Siobhan Davis
4
I won’t pressure you, Ari, but I’m not opposed to subtle acts of persuasion.Siobhan Davis
5
Shunting closer, I snuggle into his chest, soaking up his fresh woodsy scent. His arms encircle me and pull me close. “You always smell like home, ” I whisper under my breath. Smooth, soft fingers tilt my chin upward, and I’m startled when my face meets his. Tears glisten in his eyes as he looks at me adoringly. Pressing his forehead to mine, he kisses me sweetly, his lips making brisk tantalizing sweeps across my mouth.“ My heart is your home, ” he whispers, his voice breathless. “It always will be. .Siobhan Davis
6
There’s a part of me that recognizes him on a cellular level, a part that seeks his comfort and solace, that feels more than comfortable in his arms. And when he stares at me with that deep penetrating gaze of his, my body reacts in all the right, and wrong, ways.Siobhan Davis
7
Heaviness coats my brain, and I’m surprised at the turn in our conversation; we’re getting into the deep stuff. “Right now, you and me? This feels like fate, if fate can be felt.Siobhan Davis
8
No offense, doll, but that’s not something I’m willing to share. I’d prefer to live a long and happy life if it’s all the same to you.”“ You can’t just throw out vague allegations and then say nothing else! ”“ See, that’s the good thing about being a fugitive like me. I can do what the hell I like, and I’m not answerable to anyone.” Stepping away from the bars, he stands with his legs stretched out wide. His stance matches his grin.“ Sure looks like that’s working out well for you, ” I say, piercing him with a scornful look. .Siobhan Davis