“I never thought that this moment would come for me.   My whole life has been shaped to protect me and keep my heart safe.   I know that I’m about to change all of that and I should be terrified.   I lean forward and brush my lips across his.   The fact that the fear never comes and all I can think about is Connor and his mouth on mine gives me the courage to speak.   “Connor, make love to me.”   I say against his lips.”

“I always thought the allusive “O” that girls always talked about was an urban legend, but Connor is quickly turning me into a believer.”

“I know it’s a lot to ask, but I’m asking anyway. Trust me. Trust me without knowing all the facts.”

“What do I need to do to get you to trust me?   What do you want from me?”   He yells. I steel myself and look up into his panicked eyes and fight the pull I feel at coming in contact with those sapphires again.   “Nothing! I don’t want anything from you!”   I shout out the biggest lie I have ever told in my entire life.   Connor’s eyes widen at my words and his face falls, every ounce of fire gone from his gaze.   He backs away then smiles weakly at me.“Well, Merry Fucking Christmas Nina, because you have it all anyway.”

“Connor, you don’t understand. I’llfall. I always fall and I don’t do it gracefully. I land hardand I usually break something. I’m a walking disaster just waitingto happen. Don’t you understand?” Well hell, maybe I’m not talkingabout ice skating either." -Nina Ryan,”

“Princess, the whole idea of one grand gesture is bull shit. Ifyou’re with someone who never shows you they care in the littleways and then they do one huge drastic thing, that’s not love,that’s desperation." -Connor Wright”

“Wow. You’re going to be a little more difficult to date than I anticipated.” I loosely crossed my arms and leaned against the door frame. “Yep. It’s gonna require a little effort on your part. Like physically leaving your room and crossing that horrible hallway that protects you from the cold and snow, and actually come talk to me in person.”“Alright, alright. You win. Personal contact it is. So how about you meet me for lunch tomorrow?”“Sure.” I reached over and gently tugged him towards me. “See how easy that was?” His body pressed up against me and his lips brushed mine once more. My insides did a happy dance.“I want you to remember this arrangement when I stop by unexpectedly and you have green goop smeared all over your face and you’re too embarrassed to open the door.”