I WANT YOU

Phoebe shook her head, and a tear that had been trickling down her cheek reached her chin. “It’s not your fault, Christian. I just… I’m still trying to figure things out. My life is such a mess right now.”

Christian nodded, and his face looked sad. “I understand that you have been through a lot and I do not want to make things worse for you.”

Phoebe stared at him, relieved that he was the only one who seemed to comprehend. “Thank you,” she murmured, tears welling up in her eyes. “I just need some time.”

Christian smiled gently and then he took her hand in his. “You take all the time you need, Phoebe, I am not going anywhere.”

They remained motionless for a few minutes, and the hostility between them gradually gave way to a kind of camaraderie. Phoebe was glad that Christian was patient with her, glad that he had not lost his temper. He could have pushed her, could have attempted to make her kiss him, but he did not. But he had given her what she wanted, and that was more important to