"Do you love me?" James asked suddenly. I responded affirmatively without hesitation, feeling a sense of liberation from finally expressing my feelings. He then confessed that he loved me too, which was a revelation as he had never said it to anyone before. His reaction was a mix of disbelief and humor, especially when he joked about loving his first motorcycle, Ramona, a Ducati, more than he loved me.

After his comment, I impulsively punched him in a playful retaliation, indicating the complex mix of emotions in the moment. Their exchange highlighted a pivotal point of vulnerability and humor, showcasing their developing relationship amidst the backdrop of a story filled with intriguing events and characters from "The Private School Murders" by James Patterson.