"You're a gentle soul."
"My father would say weak."
"Forgive me for saying this, Evan, but your father is an ass."
I couldn't help but laugh. She was so right about that.
Her voice became quiet. "They were wrong. About everything. You're wonderful—just the way you are."
"You think so? How can you be so sure?"
She shrugged. "I'm a good judge of character."
I set down the cat and stepped closer. "And you like my character, Holly? You think I'm handsome?"
She reached up and ran her fingers through my hair. "Yes. I like you. And yes, I think you're very handsome."
"All my family had light-colored hair and hazel eyes, like my parents. I have my grandfather's dark hair and green eyes, plus his white streak. Even physically, I was the odd one."
"You're not odd. You're Evan. You're perfect."
Her words were like a small shock running through my system.
Nobody had ever thought or told me I was perfect. I couldn't describe the feelings those words elicited.
I leaned into her touch as she continued to stroke my hair. The sensation was wonderful. No wonder the cat purred. If I could, I would as well.
"I'm not perfect. I'm far from it."
"Not as far as you've been led to believe. You look sad, the same way Chester did when I found him."
"I've been lost all my life," I whispered.
"So have I."
Her hand stilled. The air around us warmed again. Our eyes held, locked in a silent conversation.
Holly swallowed. "Do you want a drink, Evan?"
I shook my head.
"Something to eat?"
"No."
I pulled her closer.
"There is only one thing I want right now."
Her voice was hushed, almost shy. "What is it?"
"I want you, Angel."
And then her mouth was on mine.
I wasn't lost anymore.
There was no shyness between us. It felt as though I had known her forever. As though in some other life, we had experienced each other on this intimate level. It was as if I had found a missing part of me.