Chapter 53: BFF Time

"Just promise me you'll be here when this is over," Danny said. "Because I don't want to lose you, Carissa. I'm doing all of this for you. For us."

"I told you I'd be here for you," she said.

Even though she'd been lying to him and kissing another guy behind his back, Carissa refused to promise him this. That's where she drew the line. Now that she had the freedom to truly be herself again, she vowed to make choices that stayed true to who she was.

Danny slipped his hand along the side of her neck and drew her closer. Then his mouth was on hers in a kiss that was sweet and short and reminiscent of the way he used to kiss her. Nostalgia for the earlier days of their relationship flooded her senses.

"I love you," he said, resting his forehead to hers. "And I'm going to prove that I can be the man you fell in love with. No matter what it takes, I'll prove I'm worthy of someone as wonderful as you."