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“Aard?” I asked hesitantly

“No,” said Claudia “I irlfriends,” she laughed “Or ex… whatever she is”

I didn’t knohat to say, really So I didn’t say anything

“Look, I knew you were sort of a ladies man e decided to try this,” Claudia said She turned towardat the collar of my pristine white button-down shirt “I onna want hiirl supposed to do?”

I slid my arms around her and pulled her to ,” I said “Because I don’t want those other girls Not anymore”

“Oh?” Claudia teased She risked a quick glance over her shoulder “Deanna’s extreirl with the heart-shaped—”

I kissed her, shutting her up Claudia’s ne and strawberries and all good things If anyone else atching, I didn’t care All I wanted to do was feel her lips against mine

“I don’t want any of those other girls,” I reiterated, when the kiss was finally broken “If I did, I would still have them”

She looked atbut adoration She wanted to believe me I wanted to make her

“Claudia,” I said, tilting her chin upward “The only girl I want is you”

Her eyes half-closed She went to kiss ain, but instead I reached out and placed my hands on either side of her face

“Here,” I said, turning her head gently to one side “Open your eyes”

She did

And then she saw

Twenty-Eight