I’ve never truly known what love meant. I mean I loved my mom and I’m sure that as a little baby my dad made me smile. But Davian is different.

I say it a lot. Maybe too much, but the love of someone who doesn’t have to love you. It’s the greatest kind of love there is. Especially when you love that person back just the same way.

Like all little kids when Mom would bring up kissing or have a show with romance I’d groan and run out of the room. But what that little me had never known was that kissing wasn’t something you did just because. It was something you did when a hug or words weren’t strong enough.

Maybe that’s the reason marriages are began with a kiss. Why all the greatest love stories have that perfect kiss in the rain. Why it becomes a wish that people want. Because it’s true, actions do speak louder than words. And a kiss is the strongest act of love. At least it is for me.

. . .

After I woke up from my sleep in the hospital and Davian was the first person my eyes met. That’s kind of when I knew, that he was going to be there for me.

And when Aunt Trish came in the room crying with her hand covering her mouth. That’s when I knew that she cared for me. When her arms wrapped me in a warm hug and her tears melted into my hospital gown.

I was glad to leave that place. It was filled with memories of Mom. Of the day I found out she was gone. Gone for good.

Davian slowly laces his fingers in between mine as we walk out of the hospital and into the world. I glance over my shoulder at the huge oak tree and the small wooden bench. That’s where this began, my eyes slide to Davian’s hand that’s still gently in mine. That’s where all of this began.

“There’s something I want to show you,” Davian’s soft voice breaks me out of my thoughts.

I smile at him, squeezing his hand as a little jolt of happiness runs down my spine. “Show me.” I press, not in a mean way. At least I hope not. I just want to know everything about this boy. Everything I’ve always heard and more.

“Well . . .” Davian trails as he swings our hands back and forth. “It’s a place.”

A place. “Take me there,” I say as Davian lets out a small laugh.

“It’s a long walk,” he eyes become serious as he meets mine. “You up for it?”

I nod giving Davian a reassuring smile. “I promise you I’m fine.”

Davian licks his lips. “I don’t want to force you. If you’re not ready. I mean you just got out of the hospital, it’s totally cool if you—“

“Davian,” I say with a small laugh. “I swear I’m good.”

Davian’s lips flash a small smile. “Okay then.”

We stop on the sidewalk, Davian grab my other hand as he leans closer to me. My heart flutters as we inch closer to each other.

We’ve kissed twice but still I can’t stop thinking about how crazy my heart was the first time.

Davian gently touches his lips to mine, his perfect scent of leather and some kind of soft oceany breeze filling my nose.

We break apart my heart still racing as my cheeks start burning. _He’s so . . . Perfect. _

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_“_You sure?” Davian mumbles our faces still only inches apart.

I lick my lips as I lean in for another quick kiss. “I’m sure.” __

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_To be continued . . . _

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