“I can feel his very existence as if it's wrapping its hand around my soul, cradling it, trying to protect it from harm and I'm terrified. Terrified because I don't ever want the feeling to end.”

“I barrel into his arms, my mouth connecting with his. Seizing him. Feeling him. Loving him.”

“I could lay here and stare at him forever. I don’t want to let go. Ever.”

“You don't want me, Ben. I'm seven layers of fucked up with a side of bullshit.”

“What the hell do I have to do to get your attention? Do I need to get up there?” I throw an arm toward the stage. His eyes swell for just a second, in shock. He reaches forward to hold my hands, but he catches himself in time and instead folds them across his chest. “Believe me, you have my full attention.”

“Trent’s chest rises with a quick inhale as his hands lift to grab mine and pull them out, placing them with a pat on the outside of his shirt. “Okay, you win. But don’t do that while I’m driving or we’ll end up in a ditch.” He looks over his shoulder again, adding in a soft, solemn tone, “I’m serious, Kacey. I can’t handle it.”

“The officer asks me if I want to press charges against Trent and I glare at him like he’s grown an arm out of his ass.”