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Thanks so much for being here. It has been a weird little ride, but I love it. Thank you all for sharing it with me.

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Bella-

I was in a daze all the way home. I vaguely recalled him trailing me, every once in a while I'd look over my shoulder and meet his gaze, seeing the yearning flare back to life in those hypnotic eyes.

I wanted him too. I wanted him just as much as I had back in the park. I don't think a time would ever come when I didn't want him.

I needed the rush his presence offered. It was heady, consuming, and utterly mind-blowing. I wanted the thrill shooting through my veins, turning my blood to lava, burning my very soul. Feeling his breath on my skin became a necessity, something I craved like a drug.

I licked my lips as I slipped into my apartment building, affording him one last glance, nearly asking him to come upstairs.

I didn't. I wanted to, but I didn't.

With his flavor tingling on my tongue, I unlocked my door and went inside. I'd never felt more alive and numb at the same time.

Taking a deep breath, I stared at the cell in my hand, knowing what needed to be done, but dreading making that call. Finally, I gathered the strength and found Mike's contact. Clearing the husk from my voice, I paced my living room, gritting my teeth when he answered.

"Can you come over? We need to talk."

"Yeah, I have been waiting for your call. I've missed you, Bella."

A knife straight to the heart. He drove it home and the new life I'd breathed in the park was sucked out of me.

Guilt. Guilt stronger than anything I'd ever known stole my joy. I couldn't believe I was really gonna do it. I was really going to break up with Mike over a stalker.

When the other end clicked as Mike hung up, I sat the phone on the coffee table and went to stand near the window. Opening the blinds I stared across the street.

He was leaning against the building. A billow of smoke whirled around him and I saw the faint glow from the cherry on his cigarette. The light from the street lamp highlighted his features, and I shuddered as our eyes connected.

If I asked him to come up would he? Did I want him in my private space? Could I trust this guy I knew nothing about?

A million questions plagued me, and eventually, I would need to ask them and receive an answer but for now, I was content to relish the mystery, the pleasure mixed with a tinge of fear. And oh, my God there had been so much pleasure.

Even from this distance, I saw his stance stiffen against the building. It appeared as if every single muscle in his body hardened, and I could feel his anger. Confused, I watched his gaze drop from mine briefly as he flicked his cigarette into the street.

I didn't understand what caused his sudden shift in moods, and before I could contemplate it further, I heard a knock on my door.

Dread consumed me and with one last long look at the window, I went to answer the door. My fingers shook as I grasped the knob, and unease filled my belly. As I cracked the door, Mike leaned forward to greet me with a kiss and I tilted my face to avoid the contact.

"Uh-oh," he said, jerking back. "This is going to be a conversation I'm not going to want to have, isn't it?"

I backed away from the foyer, and I heard the click of the latch as Mike closed the door behind him. "Bella, what's going on?"

When we reached the living room I turned to face him. Moments ago his gaze had been bright when he spotted me, and now, sadness creased the corners of his mouth. The last thing I wanted to do was draw this out and make the situation worse than it needed to be.

"Mike," I started, clearing my throat. For reasons beyond my understanding, I felt like I swallowed a piece of sandpaper. "I just don't see our relationship going anywhere. I think it would be best if we went our separate ways."

He let out a long disappointed breath, his hands running through his hair as his gaze narrowed. "Did I do something? Is there anything I can do to make it …"

"I'm sorry." I hated hurting him, and perhaps that's why I'd dragged this out longer than necessary. "I really don't feel the way I should, ya know? You're handsome and sweet. One day you will find your match and live the life you've always wanted. It just can't be with me."

He looked as if he wanted to say more, but then his jaw snapped back in place. With a nod, he walked past me without another word, and all I felt was relief.

I was free. Elated with this incredible weight shifting off my chest, I wandered to the window. A chill swept through me when the spot my sexy stalker had been standing was now empty.

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