THUMB,

I HOPE I WILL NOT BORE YOU WITH HOW TOTALLY, TOTALLY I ADORE YOU. THE FUNNY WAY YOU HAVE OF TALKING, THE CUTE WAY YOU HAVE OF WALKING. PLEASE DO NOT FEEL THAT I AM STALKING YOU.

LOVE, HENDERSON

HENDERSON, I LOVE YOUR NAME. I LOVE YOUR NOVEL. I LOVE YOUR FLANNEL SHIRTS, YOUR SMILE. I LOVE BENJAMIN FRANKLIN AND DINOSAURS AND VOLCANOES.

Flipping to the front, I caught Aiden's gaze and offered a sympathetic smile.

"Skittles?"

"Please."

I dumped some into his open palm, then picked out the green ones. Aiden grinned at me.

"You know I don't like the green ones?"

Shrugging, I popped them in my mouth.

"The few times I've seen you eat them, you leave the green ones behind."

Deacon popped his head between our seats.

"That's true love right there."

"That it is."

Aiden's gaze flicked to the road. I flushed like a little schoolgirl and focused on the remaining pieces of candy until Deacon drifted back into his seat. I handed all the red ones to Aiden.

If you must know, I-I had never in my life kissed a young lady, and you are far too beautiful to me to want to get it wrong!

...I've never really had a party before."
"Why did you have one now?" I say, just to keep him talking.
He gives a half laugh. "I thought if I had a party, you would come.

Pains of love be sweeter far than all other pleasures are