In The Dark

by Chelsea Curto

“There wasn’t any touching except for the arm I put around her waist. And then she like, melted into me?”

“I have a habit of getting attached to things. If you keep talking to me like that, I might fall in love with you.”

“When I play with things I like, I make sure to have my way with them.” “Does that mean you like me?” “Oh, Maxine.” He tucks a piece of hair behind my ear, mouth right at the pulse point on my neck. “That’s one way to put it.”

She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.

I’ve always liked being on my knees, but I just found my favorite alter. My new house of worship, and she’s never going to be able to get rid of me.

“That was…” Maxine trails off and touches her mouth.

“She’s made of magic, dude. My heart’s been broken since Mom passed, but I think she might be the cure.”

I told myself I was only going to pass by, but now that I’m here, I might as well look inside to make sure she’s taking care of herself.

“Fuck, angel.” I bring my fist to my mouth and bite my knuckles.

“Please. You’re not that pathetic.” “Oh, Max. When it comes to you, I’m pitiful.”

“Behaving is the bare minimum, and this guy doesn’t even have the decency to do that.” My fingers curl around the cup, and I almost break the glass. “Keeping her safe is my sole purpose for living from here on out.”

She fell asleep wrapped around me, and I’ve had this dopey, stupid smile on my face since she left early this morning.

“Is this our first fight, angel?” “I’m close to throwing a book at your head.” “Make it a hardcover. I deserve to be punished.”

“What if I threw it at you right now?” “Well, your grip is all wrong. On the off chance you did stab me? I’d get the mark tattooed. I’d add a heart and write property of Max under it.”

“That man is in love with you. Let me literally kick my feet at the way he looks at you.” “He is not.” “He so is, Max my darling, and what a wonderful thing because he’s great.” “You’ve known him for minutes!”

“It’s so nice to meet you, Katherine. I’m Maxine. Max for short. I’ve been spending time with Hunter, and I want you to know you have a wonderful son.” My heart skips a beat when she says that, and there’s no doubt in my mind I’m going to marry this woman. There will be a ring on her finger sooner rather than later, and I can’t wait to give her my last name. Or take hers, if that’s what she wants.

“Will you shower with me?” “Would that make you uncomfortable?” “No. I-I don’t want you to be far away. I want you to hold me.” “I’ll hold you for as long as you want,” I say. Forever, I want to add. Please let me hold you forever.

I’ve known it since the first night I met her: I’m in love with this woman. My soul fucking aches when she’s not around, and I’ll tie myself to her from now until eternity if she’s willing. And if she’s not? I’ll wait. For months. For years. It doesn’t matter.

Men hurt us just because we exist, and it’s not fucking fair.”

“You’re going to build me a library?” “Yup. How do you feel about a ladder?” “I would love a ladder.” “Good. I’m also going to clean out a drawer in my dresser so you can keep some clothes here. There will be space in my closet for you too, and a desk where you can grade worksheets and vocabulary lists. Anything you could ever want, I’ll give you.”