Lauren Landish

“I like lemon flavored Italian water ice the best.”

A small laugh leaves my lips in a huff. “Lemon?” I say with a smile.

She looks up at me, expectantly. It takes me a moment to realize what she’s waiting for. “Cherry. I think I prefer cherry.”

The concern for her takes over, and I can feel my heart speed up. I should call her. Just to check if she’s okay. And on her way.

“Hey, babe. I was worried about you.” And then, right there in front of my family, I kiss Luna like I own her. Like she owns me—body, heart, and soul. It’s quick but impactful. My family holds their collective breath.

I do my best to stay focused but find my mind wandering to Luna again and again. I keep checking to make sure she’s comfortable, that she’s got what she needs, and that no one is eyeballing her in a way that makes her nervous. I keep my hand on her thigh because it lets me feel in-sync with her, and I’ve noticed that every time she feels uncertain about something, she wiggles her feet, so by touching her, I can respond as soon as I feel the movement.

“Luna, I don’t care what you do or don’t eat. You’re beautiful, and in case you didn’t notice, I was loving your thigh beneath my palm tonight.”

Is Luna Starr flirting with me? If so, I am fucked.

“Water!” I say too loudly, virtually running for the kitchen. This girl has me on edge, and the slightest encouragement from her, when it’s only the two of us and my bed is a mere twenty-five steps away—yes, I’ve counted—is danger waiting to happen.

“Tell me to stop. I’m not strong enough to do it myself.

“The truth. That’s what it’s all about. So what if we made it . . . true?” I take Luna’s hands in mine, holding them between us. “Marry me. For real.”

But finally, I realized that sweet, innocent Luna Starr might just be my match. And no matter how dangerous that is, it’s a rare gift I won’t waste.