*Nathaniel*

The kiss we share is, for the moment, the perfect release of tension we needed. I want to talk to Claire a little more about her hesitation. I want to reassure her that there is no way I would force her into my kind of life and that she should not allow anyone else to influence her either.

Then, a loud chime breaks the silence like the sound of shattering glass.

I sense Claire jump as my phone suddenly begins blaring with my ringtone. Taking a moment to give ...