“What did I say when you kissed me?” “You said it didn’t work for you.” “I lied.” He looked at me. “Don’t play with me, Ari.” “I’m not.” I took him by the shoulders. I looked at him. And he looked at me. “You said I wasn’t scared of anything. That’s not true. You. That’s what I’m afraid of. I’m afraid of you, Dante.” I took a deep breath. “Try it again,” I said. “Kiss me.”
