Finally, the tension deserts him completely and he holds me close, allowing me to settle my feet on the floor while he kisses my face, my mouth, the crown of my head. "Renee..."

He swallows hard, looking stricken.

And I brace for bad news. It's coming. I can feel it.

"You don't want to stay?" I whisper.

His blue eyes shoot to mine, incredulous. "How can you ask me that?" Looking concerned beyond belief, he cradles my face in his hands. "Life isn't going to be worth living unless it's with ...