"Joel reached for her hands and held them tight. 'No offense to Riza, but you are more than just energy. I can feel your hands in mine. Smell the perfume in your hair. You are Emily, and you're a part of me. I couldn't love a ball of energy, but I love . . .' Joel seemed unable to continue. Emily's heart started to pound."

"He looked down at her hands in his and dropped them abruptly. He shuffled on his feet and wouldn't meet her eyes. 'Nothing . . .' His voice had lost its softness."