Page 89 of Lessons in Chemistry

I rest my forehead against his. “I only have one regret.”

“What’s that?”

“That it took me so damn long to tell you I’m in love with you.”

“It took me long enough to realise I loved you. But let’s not have regrets, okay? Let’s forget about what we did or didn’t do and how fast we did or didn’t do it. Let’s enjoy what we have now.”

I sigh happily. “And this is why I love you.”

“I thought it was because I look hot in Speedos.”

I snort-laugh. “Oh, you do. So fucking sexy. But I love you because you’re a gentle soul.”

He wrinkles his nose. “Don’t tell Auggie that.”

“Why not?”

“Because then he’ll realise I won’t thump him if he breaks your heart.”

I cackle. “We can’t have that.”

“Although I don’t think he will. You bring the best out in people, Em. In me, in Auggie, in everyone around you. It’s what makes you special.” He looks up and stares at the wall behind me. My periodic table poster. There’s nothing else it could be.

“You still won’t find an E-M element,” I tease.

He chuckles. “No, but there is an A-U.”

“Gold. Atomic number of seventy-nine.”

He keeps scanning the poster. “I’ve found your element.”

“I told you there isn’t an E-M.”

“Nope, but there is an element that fits you perfectly.”

I frown. “Which one?”

“E-S.”

I laugh. “Einsteinium? Atomic number ninety-nine.”

“You’ve memorised the whole table, haven’t you?”

“You know me so well.”

He kisses me. “Yes, I do. Einsteinium is your element.”

My face burns. “You’re going to give me a big head.”

“Nah. It’s not big-headed to think you’re brilliant if you are. You are brilliant, Em. In every way possible.”

My heart swells. I put a hand over my face. “Stop.”

“I will never stop complimenting you.”

I don’t want him too, even though it does make me blush. Sometimes I hate lighting up like a Christmas tree at the slightest thing, but not right now. Now it’s a reminder of how warm and fuzzy Casey’s can make me with a few words.

I lower my hand. “Casey.”