"This is my fault, and I am sorry. I never should have said anything." he gently kissed her hair.

But when she kissed him, he gently pushed her back. "What are you doing, Justine?"

His face was white as snow, and he was staring at her in shock. He wanted her, wanted to believe this meant more than he thought for sure it did. After her words, he was sure she did not, and would not, return his care. And he could not do this, if that was so.