Revealing Kane

10 - Moving Forward

I have never had so much fun at a photo shoot! The chemistry between John and me was amazing, and I can't wait to see the contact sheets. Maybe I'll ask Diane to get them for me to keep. And the fact that John did all that to get me back is so romantic. I'm glad he did it.

After the shoot, John drives me to my apartment. He's taking me to dinner tonight, so he wants me to get dressed up. When he pulls up in front of my building, he leans forward to look at its facade.

"So this is where you've been hiding," John says with a slight smile.

"Yeah," I nervously laugh. "I didn't know what else to do," I confess, and John sighs.

"I know. I'm sorry. I've missed you terribly, and I'm sorry I drove you away," John says, and I nod.

"I missed you, too. I should have come to you sooner, but I thought you didn't want me anymore. You said-"

"I know what I said," John starts, cutting me off. "I'm sorry. This last month has been pure torture. I don't ever want to feel that again."

"It's my fault. I don't know why I couldn't just say, 'I love you too.' I did. I do. I was... Scared, I guess," I tell him.

"Scared of what, love?"

"My feelings for you. They're incredibly strong, and I... I'm sorry!" I shout and then burst into tears.

John says nothing; he just reaches across and pulls me into a tight hug. He holds me, stroking my hair as I sob into his shoulder. I love it when he holds me. I feel his love and comfort, making me feel safe.

"Shhhh. It's okay, baby. I'm here now. And I'm never letting you go again," John coos.

My tears soon turn to sniffles, and I pull away from John, feeling embarrassed for my emotional outburst. He smiles at me and wipes away my tears. He then gently kisses the end of my nose, making me giggle.

"Sorry for crying on you," I titter, but John playfully scoffs at me.

"What's a few tears between friends," he says, and my mind goes into a hyperpanic.

Friends? Just friends? But I thought we were reconciling. Aren't we? Now I'm thoroughly confused. And sad.

"Friends?" I squeak, trying to once again hold in my emotions.

"Aren't we? I know we're more as well, but I consider you one of my closest friends," John says, but it doesn't make me feel better.

"I ruined us, didn't I? What we had. We'll never get it back-"

"You've got to stop jumping to conclusions, Allison," he scolds, and I lower my head. "You and I have a lot to talk about. We'll be okay. We'll get there, sweetheart. Just stay in the moment with me. All right?"

"Yes," I whisper, my emotions rising once more.

"Good. I'll pick you up at seven, okay?"

"Sounds great. I appreciate what you did today. I'm so glad we're talking again," I tell him.

In an instant, he moves to me, cupping my face in his hand. His lips are moments from mine, but he doesn't kiss me. He looks into my eyes with an intensity that makes my stomach flutter.

"This is only the beginning. I'll do everything I can to make you happy every day. I love you, Allison," John whispers and then thrusts his lips to mine.

Passion quickly blooms between us as I grab his jacket lapels and pull him closer. I want him, all of him, and I want him right now. So I break the kiss and look into his eyes.