I couldn't look at him as I spoke, my eyes downcast. "I know you hate me, and I'm sorry," I added, almost in a whisper.

There was another long silence as I waited for him to speak. When he finally did, his words surprised me. "I don't hate you," he said, drawing my attention. "You don't hate someone you don't know, and I apologize if I gave you that impression."

His words warmed my heart, and I turned to face him. "Thank you," I said with a small smile.

"I've never been ...