She kissed the scars on his skin.

Chapter 23

He just asked me to be his girlfriend. He gave me the puppy dog eyes. Oh my God. I've never had a boyfriend before. Who would want to date the ugly duckling? I know I've changed in recent months and Tony does seem to like being around me so I guess I can try. I nod, shyly, and he kisses me again. I sit there smiling against his lips. He pulls back.
"There's that beautiful smile" he whispers, making me blush. I guess I'll never get used to compliments. He takes my face in his hands, ever so gently and kisses me again. I love the feel of his lips against mine. I love the feeling of his strong arms around me. I love the way I feel safe when he's around. I love the way his eyes twinkle when he smiles. I love his tattoos. I love the silly faces he pulls when he's joking around.
I think I'm in love. Well then.
He sees the faraway look in my eyes and looks concerned until I smile again.
"You look very deep in thought" he says, smiling at me. I nod, smiling back. It's definitely too early to drop that bombshell. He'll be out the door quicker than a bat out of hell. I sigh a happy sigh and snuggle into Tony's chest a bit more. Today has been good on two counts so far and I don't want it to end just yet.
We sit watching TV and making small talk. Something so simple feels so right and just having Tony in my presence is wonderful. I feel my eyes starting to close, the lack of sleep over the last week catching up to me. I feel Tony pick me up and carry me through to my bedroom where he gently places me on the bed, kissing my cheek. I try to sit up so I can go and get changed and he must see me struggling as he asks what I'm doing.
"Need my pyjamas" I mumble.
"Where are they?" he asks.
"Second drawer down" I whisper, so tired I can barely form the words. He walks over to the chest of drawers and opens the second one, seeing the sets neatly folded. He grabs the first ones he sees and carries them over. I start taking off my t shirt and he helps me pull it over my head, putting my camisole top in its place. I stand on wobbly legs and slide my jeans down, kicking them to one side and pull my shorts on before retreating under the covers. I don't usually wear my underwear too but I doubt Tony wants to see me naked just yet. I can hear him moving around and I squint through one tired eye to see what he's doing. Folding my discarded clothes. I feel the bed sag as he sits down and kisses me again.
"Goodnight Lauren" he whispers. Then I hear something I didn't expect.
"I love you."