Chapter 38 Rekindle ##3 (Contd)

• I had never desired anyone more than I desired Laura in that moment. Stacy and all the other sorority girls were just casual one-night stands, the occasional fuck to satisfy a physical urge. But this was different. Thinking of Laura made my heart sting with an odd pain. It clouded my judgment and sent my emotions into a frenzy. Standing next to her and facing her rejection, these strange but undeniable feelings burst to the surface.
• "I can't help the way I feel. I love you, L." My voice cracked on the last word, partly from emotion and partly from uncertainty. How could I say that to my own cousin? I gritted my teeth and swallowed hard in order to suppress the tears. I hated myself for being so desperate and vulnerable.
• "I love you too, Ben. Just not like that." Laura placed her hand on mine and gave a consoling squeeze. It was cold comfort.