"May I?' She asks with a pounding heart and a shaking fearful voice. He nods his approval and before she can think if this was right or wrong; if either was really ready, if here was the appropriate place; she leans forward and touches her mouth upon his. 'I'm sorry." She says a few seconds later the words spoken directly on his lips.
"You have no reason to be sorry. You did nothing wrong.' He places both hands on her shoulder and pushes her gently away. 'I know it wasn't you. ALIE manipulated our feelings for each other for her personal gain. Not you." She nods her chin quavering.
"I was so afraid I'd lose you Marcus That you won't want me af…"
"Oh God Abby no. I'm not going anywhere. I swear."
"Okay. I'm gonna kiss you again." She now says with confidence.
"Good."