Annabel's POV

"If you would agree to marry me,"

I paused at that moment and he withdrew from the embrace at the same time. Slipping his hands into his pocket, he studied my expression.

"Don't get me wrong," he explained, "I'm not taking advantage of your situation, Annabel. I just don't want people wagging their tongues and-"

"I totally understand," I cut him off, "I'm sorry but, marriage isn't what I need right now. I'll be visiting an old friend today and see if I can move in with her, I ...