He swallowed hard. His blue eyes regarded her for a few moments. He nodded. “I understand why you feel that way. I do. But please just give me one last chance, for the things we’ve shared, for our time together. Just give me a chance to talk to you. That’s all. Then I’ll go.” Laura felt shaky, her emotions were bubbling to the surface. She had to go inside before she started crying in front of her building. Finally, she nodded to him, then silently went and unlocked the door. Relieved, he walked up behind her, still keeping a bit of a distance so as not to unsettle her any more than he already had. She didn’t look at him, but held the door open. He took it and followed her up the stairs a few paces behind. They hadn’t said a word on the way up to her place. Laura felt incredibly conflicted. Sarah would kill her if she knew that she was letting Angelo into her place right now. But part of her was curious about what he had to say. Still, the memory of him leaving

Angelo spent the night at Laura’s apartment at her invitation. They had laid on the sofa together for awhile, both having fallen asleep after the emotional turmoil and adrenalin rushes they had experienced with everything that had happened. When they awoke, they had a quiet dinner in, another delivery from Frankie’s Pizzeria, and spent the rest of the evening talking openly and honestly about what had happened and how they had felt. It was a gentle, trusting, open exchange, something they needed to do to move forward and past their troubles. They went to sleep later that night, both feeling safer and loved, with Laura curled up in Angelo’s big, warm frame, and Jasper cuddled up near her stomach. Angelo offered to drive her into work the next morning, which Laura gratefully accepted. After they got ready, she took care of Jasper and made them some coffee and a light breakfast before they left. As they started the drive into Manhattan in Angelo’s silver Jaguar, a thought

“That was one of the best meals I’ve ever had,” Laura said. She leaned forward over the table to take his hand. “It was absolutely delicious. You're an amazing cook.” He cleared his throat as he tried to avert his eyes from her low-cut dress, trying to be a gentleman. He looked into her eyes, admiring her beauty in the candlelight. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. My mom would be proud of me if she heard you say that.” “You know, Mr. Tsarkopolis, you are just full of surprises.” She smiled and stroked his hand, feeling the effects of the wine. “There are just so many interesting things you do that I enjoy.” He raised his eyebrows, caught off guard by her suggestive comment. He smiled, blushing. “Dessert?” She grinned at him, but then shook her head. “I’m way too full right now. But I’d like to be able to exercise that option later, if I may.” “Of course,” he said, “it’ll be waiting for you whenever you’re hungry enough. Just let me know.” “I will.” Her hazel eyes

She squeezed him tight. She actually felt relieved to have gotten that off her chest. After a few moments, she figured she’d just get the rest of her rather unremarkable dating history out. She sighed. “After that there’s not a lot to tell. I’ve had a couple of dates with guys who never called back, some dates where I just wasn’t feeling it. Nothing that lasted too long. After Aaron, my longest relationship was about three months. His name was Brad. He ended up getting a job in Dubai. I had no intention of moving. But it wasn’t that big of a deal, we weren’t really that serious.” She looked over at the fireplace, then down at her glass. “The last guy I dated, we went out for maybe three weeks, split as soon as we'd slept together. That was not quite a year and a half ago.” She looked over at Angelo. “Not the best track record, hey?” “It helps me understand you better,” he said gently. “Why I might’ve made you nervous.” Laura felt her face flush. “Well that, and just the fa

They held each other for a while, looking at the flames flickering in the gas fireplace, each lost in thought about their conversation tonight. Angelo got up to make them some herbal tea. Laura sat staring out his large windows, marveling at the nighttime view. She felt like she was in a dream. But she wasn’t. This was real. He was real. And she loved him with all of her heart and soul. Angelo came back with the tea and they stayed up talking for hours. The night was growing late and soon they grew quiet again. Finally, Angelo had to ask a question. “It’s getting late. I don’t mean to pressure you or anything, but I wanted to let you know that you’re welcome to stay the night here. With me. If you wanted.” She looked at him. She wanted to, very badly, but part of her still felt slightly guarded. She hesitated to answer. “I, um, hadn’t planned to stay. I didn't pack an overnight bag or anything.” He looked at her and nodded. “And I suppose, much of tonight's