Stephen had frozen stiff in shock. He couldn't believe what Frances had asked. These past days, making no real further connections with him, got her to discover the level of care and concern she'd been developing towards him. In addition, some more physical attraction after being physically apart from one another. Frances was shocked by his lack of immediate response to her.

"Oops, I guess that's going to be a no then...,” said Frances.

Stephen provided an awkward ...