I won't lose you.

Chapter 11.

-Melanie's P.O.V.

James brought me out to his car. I kissed him deeply. I allowed him to take the kiss too far…and yet it seemed right. Gasping for air, he took my hand and placed it over his heart. James looked into my eyes.

"Melanie, I love you."

What did he just say? I told him not to tell me this unless he meant it. My eyes suddenly stung with tears. I let a few tears slip silently down my cheeks. I couldn't believe he said that. I really thought he would care enough not to let me fall. Instead, he was going to lie. He couldn't love me yet. It was completely impossible…unless we felt the same way. No, we couldn't. It didn't work that way.

"Melanie…I'm…"

"Just forget it, James. I really hoped you wouldn't say that to me unless you truly meant it, but instead you're making fun of me. I thought you were better than that."

"I wasn't making fun of you," James said with hurt in his voice.

I ignored him and left James car. I wiped my tears, James grabbed my arm.

"Let me go," I said as my voice cracked and more tears fell.

"No, I won't. Some things are worth fighting for, and you're one of them. Just hear me out and then you can leave if you still don't care."

I took in a shaky breath, leaned my head back on the headrest, and closed my eyes to try and stop the tears. I was unsuccessful.

"Kaitlin, I know what I said. I also know that you told me to never say it unless I meant it…but that's the thing. I really do mean it. I would have waited much longer…but…I just…felt really…in love when you were kissing me. I'm so sorry. I didn't want you to react like this. I should have been more patient."

"Whatever…there's no way you could mean it. Just because I do…Oh God…did I just say that?"

James's head snapped up. He looked at me in the eyes. "Melanie…stop trying to put on the tough act. Now that the truth is out, why can't you accept it?"

"Because I don't want to be hurt like I was last time…"

"Melanie, I promised you I would never do something like that to you. I don't know what it will take for me to show that to you…but I mean it with all my heart."

"The only way you'll prove anything to me is if you stay true to me…and when and if we break up, it's mutual."

"Does that mean you love me…and you'll accept it?" James asked, a spark of happiness in his eyes."Only if you're willing to comply with my terms."

"Of course I am, Melanie."

I sighed and stopped my tears. James loved me. I loved James. I was in denial before, but now I gave in.

"James…"

"Yeah Melanie?"

"Do you still love me…even after what just happened?"

"Yeah, I do. Nothing will ever change how I feel about you."

I couldn't help but smile at what he said. He genuinely meant what he said.

"Will you do me a favor?" James asked.

"Can I ask what the favor is?" I retorted. I loved being a smartass.

"Kiss me, please?" James looked at me with pleading eyes.

"Well…I don't know…" I couldn't hold back my smile.

"You know you want to."

"And why's that?"

"Because you love me, but I love you more."

"That's not possible…but fine. Only for you."

I kissed James deeply again. There was no going too far at this point…well, as far as kissing was concerned. We were making out in full force a few seconds later. I leaned in to James's warm, open arms.

"James…"

"Yeah?"

"I love you."

"I love you too, Melanie. Forever and always."

I kissed James once more. At that second, there was a flash of a camera and I shout of an, "I've got it!"