Chapter 49

• Taylor had hinted an interest in just shuttling to her place and packing an overnight bag to return straight back to me. But despite the newfound stability in our relationship, it was a tenuous balance at best. And when I didn't warm to her hinting, she dropped the playful teasing and asked me point blank, "Why can't we get together? Really together? I thought that was what you'd always wanted."
• I held her close and yet apart from me, gripping both of her elbows tightly to her body. "Remember what I said about building a relationship on lies?"
• "But that's done, isn't it? My lies are exposed, and I've apologized for them." My eyes flickered to the shiny bruise on her cheek. She didn't have to add that I'd already punished her quite severely as well. "Johnny, let us make a new relationship, built on love."