Picture Perfect

didn’t call. You make me feel things that I have no defenses for, and I know that if I let you in I’ll only get more attached.”
    Finally, we were getting somewhere real.
    “Sweetness, you aren’t alone here. It’s scary shit, what’s happening between us, and the reason it’s scary is because it’s for fucking real . You’re scared for your reasons and I’m scared because you’re pushing me away like it’s your goddamn job and I can’t lose you. Neither of us would be scared if we didn’t know that what’s happening between us is huge. Tell me what you need to do to make you feel more confident about this.”
    Sighing, she looked me in the eye and asked, “If I agree to this, what are we? Are we fuck-buddies? Are we exclusive? Will you tell people that we’re dating, or is dating to exclusive for you?”
    There wasn’t even a question about it anymore. Sometime soon, she was getting spanked for torturing me.
    “I swear to Christ babe, if you ever even hint to me again that what we are is fuck-buddies I’m going to put you over my knee, no matter where we are. First, we haven’t fucked. Second, we won’t be just fucking when we finally do go all the way. So sorry if you had your heart set on it, but my answer is no to fuck-buddies baby. We also aren’t just going to be dating. This is more than that. You want to know how far into relationship territory I’m willing to go? Let’s review my actions today and see if you can figure it out. I got on the first available flight out of LA after you changed your phone number and I realized that I was losing you. I was randomly selected for a body-scan and carry on search, I flew coach on a packed flight and I had a three-hour layover. I could have waited six hours to get on a flight that went straight through and had first class available, but I didn’t take that option because getting to you as quickly as humanly possible was the only thing I cared about. I was stuck on two different flights in aisle seats, which means I spent seven hours being slammed into by people walking in the aisles. When I got into the Chicago airport, I got recognized and chased because I didn’t have any security. I’m pretty fucking far into relationship territory with you babe, but to give it to you in no uncertain terms I’ll lay it out like this. From this second on, you’re my girlfriend and I’m your boyfriend. Yes, we’re fucking exclusive. If some asshole touches you, I’ll break his hands. And finally, fuck yes we’re telling people . Does that answer your questions?”
    Her mouth had opened in shock about a third of the way into my speech, and she continued to stare at me wide-eyed for a moment before collecting herself enough to speak. I was as patient as I’ve ever been as I waited for her response. At that point, my only hope was that I’d gotten it through that stubborn head of hers that I was with her all the way.
    “Flynn, don’t you think it’s too early for us to take that jump to being girlfriend and boyfriend? Dating is one thing, but…”
    My hand covered her mouth before she could say something else ridiculous.
    “Tess, babe, you’re talking bullshit. Too soon? You either feel it or you don’t. I feel it, or I wouldn’t be standing here right now. You feel it too you stubborn ass, or you wouldn’t have been as upset as you were. Answer this question. When you were with boyfriends in the past, at any point in time in the relationship did you feel like this?”
    Her answer was immediate and it put my mind at ease.
    “No. My stubborn ass ,” she paused and smirked at me, “never felt anything like this.”
    That told me in no uncertain terms that we were on the same page.
    “I’ve never felt like this either. Nothing’s even gotten near it. I want us official. From here on out, I’m your man baby. And there’s no doubt that you’re my girl. Do you feel me?”
    I got my answer when she reached out and cupped my cheek with her hand and smiled at me. “I surrender.”
    Pulling her onto my lap so that she was straddling me, I smiled at her. “Good girl. Now give your boyfriend a kiss. He’s missed you something awful.”

Chapter Twenty-Five

    I was still scared, but everything that Flynn said had broken through my barriers. The fact was that his point of view not only made sense; it also went a long way toward making me feel more comfortable with him. I wasn’t feeling things toward him that weren’t being reciprocated and