DAHLIA I had no idea how it happened. Discussing future plans and ongoing progress, purposefully leaving out the stress the staff were making me go through intentionally made me lower my guards a little

I had even managed to calm my warring emotions. Became less defensive. This was a ground I was counting on making me less wary and it worked. It really worked.

Until he leaned in across the table and gently caressed my hand. I moved my hand away, ever so subtly so he wouldn't suspect a thing ...