Shane sits up, “No.” She says sweetly, “Not at all.”

Harper sighs with deep relief, “Good.”

“It’s ok, relax.” Shane caresses her shoulder.

“Sorry, I thought I’d crossed the line there and panicked.”

“I see that. Trust me, you were doing everything right.” They smile at each other. “There’s something I want to tell you before we go any farther.”

“Ok.” Harper suddenly feels a bit uneasy.

“I’ve been wanting to tell you for a little while now.” Shane pauses, takes a deep breath, smiles and looks deep into Harper’s eyes. “Harper… I love you.”

Harper feels the room spin and her heart pound against the wall of her chest. Shane’s words explode deep inside of her tearing her up in the most divine way. She tries to speak but Shane stops her.

“You don’t have to say anything. And you don’t have to say it back. Say it when you’re ready.”

“I’m ready.” Harper’s voice is barely a whisper.

“Say it when it’s right for you.” Shane smiles. “It was just important for me to tell you before anything more happened.”

“Come here.” Harper says opening her arms. Shane scoots closer to be embraced. “Thank you.” Harper holds her close. “I’ve never meet anyone like you Shane. I am so floored by the way you make me feel, it’s… I don’t know, intense and amazing. We’re so much alike and yet so different. I know you’ve had a crazy life and have been hurt a lot too. We both have. And I want you to know I will never do anything to hurt you.”

“Thank you.” Shane says softly.

“I love that you are not a game player. You’re a straight forward person and that’s very new for me. I always seem to end up with girls who play games and don’t speak their minds. It’s so wonderful to be with someone who’s honest with their feelings. I know this is new terrain for you and you are doing incredible. All we have to do is let the future take its course and see where it takes us. Out pasts are just that, they are done and over. They are not something to be used as a barometer of the future. We both have our share of demons but we can work through that together.” Harper gives her a smile. “We are who we are. And I will never try and change you into someone you’re not. I like you just like you are. In fact… I love you.”