They pulled apart and he pecked her lips again with a contented sigh, “Forgive me, I’d been holding myself back the whole day, but temptation won out.”

“I un–understand. Th–that's ok,” she stuttered as real tears waited to emerge.

“Until next time. I’m sure you’ll make the right choice.”

“Me too.”

Outside the car, her nails dug into her palms in a painful pinch, and she waved goodbye–watching until his car rounded the corner before ...