“The moment we met I felt an instant connection, and definitely an attraction. I like being with you and I feel safe, even though I might be in danger. I have feelings for you, but I need to take things slow. Because of what Craig did to me I’m emotionally unstable. I feel the need to have some type of closure with him before I can let myself go.”

“What if Craig isn’t found, if you never really have closure? Are you going to let him ruin the rest of your life and the possibility to love and be loved? Hasn’t he taken enough from you already? He stole several years of your past. Don’t let him take the rest of your life away. I don’t mean to be pushy, but I’m falling head over heels for you and I don’t want to be left standing here, finally feeling love again and not being able to act on it.” Tom stopped talking and was deep in thought. After a few moments he said, “I’m sorry. I’m supposed to be doing a job here, not pressuring you into a love affair. I was taken by surprise, that’s all.”

It occurred to me that I might lose Tom’s affection if I started putting up a wall to hold back my feelings. I didn’t want that to happen. I owed Craig absolutely nothing, except for maybe a kick in the ass. It was time I wised up and stopped holding myself back. I grabbed Tom’s hand and said, “No, don’t be sorry, you weren’t pushing me into anything. It’s obvious that you have my best interests at heart.” I stood up on my toes trying to reach my mouth to his. He was playing it cool purposely and just looked at me, not budging, until he could no longer contain himself, at which point he broke into a smile and said, “Yes,” like he had won a contest, pulled me close to him and kissed me passionately.