Visitation hours would end at midnight, and she wasn’t about to sign Seth in. She was glad to see the monitor wasn’t in the lobby as they waited for the pizza delivery and then headed to her room. Now, he was safely behind her door, and no one was the wiser.

“I’m glad I wore a shirt under this monkey suit,” he said as he toed out of his shoes and revealed the plain, white T-shirt.

“Will you help me with my dress?” she said shyly.

“Do you want me to step outside for a minute while you change?” His hands were shaky as he handled her zipper.

“No, I’m fine if you are.” She stepped out of her dress, which revealed her strapless push-up bra and matching panties. He swallowed hard, and his eyes stared like they were undressing her further. As she approached him, she caressed his neck, and ran her fingers through his hair. Then, she glided her lips from his Adam’s apple up to his ear and whispered, trying to tempt him.

“I’ve wanted to be alone with you all night.”

He tilted his head back. “Don’t you think it’s a little soon?”

“What?” She backed away, grabbed a sweater and jeans, and then quickly dressed. Almost immediately, her cheeks felt hot and her throat was tight. He didn’t answer, and he stared without blinking. He doesn’t want me. Oh, what a fool she was.

“Do you want me to leave?”

He reached for her, but she pulled away quickly. She closed her eyes for a moment and felt the sting of tears. How could she have been so wrong?

“No, let’s just watch the movie.”

They sat only a few inches apart and leaned against the wall by her bed. She didn’t process five words of dialogue from the film and held back the tears of embarrassment. Seth reached for her hand more than once, but she crossed her arms against her chest. There was nothing to salvage what she had done. She was the one who misread the signals this time. When the movie ended, they both sat still and watched the credits.

“I guess I’d better go back to my room.” He spoke slowly and hesitated on the edge of her bed. “You want to meet for breakfast?”

“It’s late, and I’d rather just sleep in. I’m not really a breakfast person.”

“I know, but you won’t go without your coffee.”

“That’s okay. I’ll make a cup here.” Her voice was shaky. If she didn’t get herself in check, she’d lose it.

“Baby, you misunderstood earlier. It’s not that I don’t want you.” He took her hand, and then pulled it away from her interlocked arms.

“I totally understand. There is no explanation needed.” She barely uttered the words as he stroked her palm.

“You have already been hurt enough. I want us to be committed when we go that far.”

“Let’s just forget about tonight, and things can go back to the way they were before.” She still couldn’t look at him.

“I couldn’t forget seeing you half-naked if I wanted.”

“I just thought there was more between us. I still want to go out sometimes though, if that would be okay?” An ache welled up deep inside her chest. What if he wanted to call things off? The thought was unbearable, and she quickly tried to erase it from her mind. She already cared for him deeply.

“You just don’t get it.”

“I get it. I let myself get carried away even though I knew we’re not exclusive.” The thought of him with another girl left her nauseated with knots in her stomach.

“I want us to be. You haven’t been seeing other guys, have you?”

“No.” She couldn’t think of another man. There would never be anyone but Seth.

“I don’t want you going out with anyone else.”

“What are you saying, Seth?” She had to look at him now, and she didn’t know if her ears had tricked her.

“I’m saying I want you to be my girlfriend, and I don’t want anyone else doing this.”

He took her face between his hands, and then kissed her gently. She couldn’t hold back her tears now. He had said everything she wanted to hear and dreamed of hearing.

“Do you know what you mean to me?”

He wrapped his arms around her and pulled them both down on her bed. They snuggled as she listened to his rapid heartbeat.