1
Strange how knowing our story had no happy ending had freed us to live in the moment. We weren’t guy and girl. We weren’t damaged and terminal. We were just now.Elizabeth Langston
2
I need to do something about college, but I’m not sure what.”“ Where have you decided to apply?”“ Nowhere yet. Any time I think about the schools I’ve visited, I feel overwhelmed. The campuses are so big that I know I’ll get lost. I dread making new friends. And the professors acted too busy to deal with someone like me. My parents will be wasting a huge amount of money.”“ Your fears are no different than most high school seniors.” He studied me thoughtfully. “Must you go to college?” I opened my mouth to say Of course, I must–and then shut it again. The concept didn’t bother me nearly as much as it should have. Skipping college would be crazy. Right? It was hard enough for a disabled person to find a job, but being disabled with no degree would make it hopeless. “I don’t have a choice.”“ Perhaps you have more choices than you realize.Elizabeth Langston
3
Thanks for driving me home, Mason. And for dinner. And…everything.”“You’re welcome.” His hand cupped my shoulder, his face in the shadows. “Was this a date?”“ No.” His smile was a slash of white in the darkness. “Then you’re not expecting me to kiss you good-night.”“ No.” I smiled back.“ Too bad.Elizabeth Langston
4
May I kiss you?” Finally. “Yes.”He smiled as he threaded his fingers through my hair. Carefully, he leaned forward and kissed my forehead. His mouth was warm and gentle against my skin, but it wasn’t enough. “Please tell me that wasn’t what you meant.” He laughed softly. “There’s more.” He kissed my cheek, my jaw, and hovered a fraction above my mouth. I ached for his kiss, and when the waiting stretched too long, I closed the distance. He took over, which was just as well, because I forgot where I was or the time or my name. The only thing in the world was his mouth. That kiss. Us.Elizabeth Langston
5
Have you ever experienced human love?”“ Yes. Once.”Regret shadowed his face. “Then why would you be willing to repeat it?”“ What we learn is worth more than what we lose.Elizabeth Langston