Page 119 of Even in the Dark

“I did.”

His lips trail back to my mouth, and he kisses me again. Shorter than the last one. Just as amazing. And with an epic soundtrack this time. Because Jay is singing along now, full on belting at the top of his lungs. And he is a horrible,horriblesinger.

And now I have a new favorite kiss.

I giggle, and soon my head is thrown back, and I’m dying with laughter.

A few seconds later, Dylan is laughing, too. “Asshole!” he yells at Jay, who responds by singing even louder. Then adding cheesy step-touch dance moves that make his belly jiggle.

Dylan rolls onto his back, shaking his head slowly from side to side. He rakes a hand through his hair, eyes closed. “Fuuuuuuck,” he groans. But he’s smiling.

And that’s all I care about.

That, and the fact that he just kissed me. And he wasn’t freaked out.

And it was so,sogood.

Chapter Forty-Three

SESSION TRANSCRIPT #24 – Dylan Braun

Treating therapist: Dr. Stuart Morley

Dylan:I got something foryouthis time. [Rustling noises]

Dr. Morley:Oh, wow… What is… Is this—

Dylan:It’s a bowling shirt.

Dr. Morley:Ha! [Reading]They see me bowlin, they hatin’.[Laughs] I love it!

Dylan:Got it at this market Scarlett and I went to on the weekend.

Dr. Morley:Thank you, Dylan.

Dylan:Are youcrying?Shit. I didn’t—

Dr. Morley:No, no… I’m just… I’m really touched. You’re agood dude, you know that? A really good dude, Dylan… Thank you.

Dylan:The line is based on a lyric from a song. ‘They see me rollin’, they hatin’. You wouldn’t like the song, but… Yeah, thought the shirt was your vibe.

Dr. Morley:Well, what’s the song called? I’ll have to look it up.

Dylan:Don’t. You’ll hate it.

Dr. Morley:I might not. I’m a pretty open-minded guy.

Dylan:It’s calledRidin’, by Chamillionaire.

Dr. Morley:Chamillionaire?

Dylan:Yeah.

Dr. Morley:You’re right; it doesn’t really sound like my cup of tea.

Dylan:[laughs]

Dr. Morley:Well, thank you. Seriously. This means more than you probably know.

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