Page 93 of Before Eve

He takes a deep breath and, on the exhale, says, “I love you, Eve. So unbelievably much that I don’t know what to do with myself.”

“Oh, West…”

“God, that felt good to say.” He blows out a shaky breath.

I love him, too. How can I not? He’s extraordinary. He’s spectacular. He’s perfect, and the way his eyes crinkle when he’s amused… I like that the most.

He’s turned my life around. With his never-ending patience, friendship, and witty humor, he’s brought an enticement to my existence that I never realized I needed. My perpetual sense of loneliness dissipated the moment I met him.

But I don’t say any of that, and I don’t say those three words back. Because it’s not fair to him. I’m not the person he thinks I am. Until he knows the complete truth, I’ll keep those three words carefully protected inside.

CHAPTER 45

At the small,private airport the next morning, we sit in the SUV holding hands, staring out the windshield, watching the workers prepare our separate twin-engine planes. West will go one way, I’ll go another, and we’ll see each other tonight.

The pilots signal to leave.

West cups my cheeks in his palms. “Happy New Year.”

“Happy New Year to you, too.”

“I’m going to miss you.” He kisses me.

“It’s only a day,” I tease.

“I don’t care. I’ll still miss you.”

Who am I kidding? I’ll miss him, too.

We open our doors, grab our things, and head to our separate planes.

When I reach mine, I turn back, and with each step he takes away, my soul goes more and more empty. What if I don’t see him again? What if something happens and I have to run? What if…what if his plane crashes?

When that last horrible question reels through my head, I gasp for air.

I memorize everything about him. The fit of his jeans, his well-worn Adidas, the dark blue suitcase in his left hand,the sound of his laughter, his scent, his voice. Oh, no, what does he smell like? What about his voice? What does it sound like?

I take a step toward him. “West!” I shout, then clamp my shaky hand over my mouth.

Every person on the field, including West, turns toward me. With a grin, he sets his suitcase down and opens his arms, and I sprint across the open field to land hard against him. He squeezes me and rains kisses on my forehead, eyelids, cheeks, nose, and mouth.

Then he pulls back to rub our noses together. “There, that should do us until we see each other tonight.”

“I love you,” I whisper. I didn’t want to say it. I didn’t. But I can’t help it. I do love him. I do.

“You did not just tell me that as I’m leaving,” he groans.

“Sorry,” I mumble.

He plants a quick, firm kiss on my lips. “You aresotelling me that again later.”

“Later,” I agree, smiling.

“See you tonight, Blue Eyes.”

I nod.

One more kiss and he’s gone.