Passion's Pitfalls

"I know this is probably not making any sense," He stated, his voice full of emotion. "I'm afraid of letting someone in, of letting someone see who I actually am. I'm afraid of being hurt, of being rejected. I know it's not rational, but it's what I feel. I've been hurt to death, and I don't want to go through that again." He looked up at her, his eyes full of sadness and fear.

She didn't know what to say.

"I've tried so hard to stop myself from loving you," his voice, thick with emotions. "I've tried to keep you at arm's length, to protect myself from getting hurt. But I can't do it anymore. I just can't. I love you, and I don't know how to turn it off." He took a deep breath, and closed his eyes for a moment. When he opened them, he looked at her with a desperate, pleading look.