'Anne, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound like a brute. It's just...' Gilbert fought to gain some control over his emotions. He wanted to say so much, but she looked for all the world like a wounded animal, cornered and frantically looking for an escape. As upset as he was, it didn't hurt him nearly as much as seeing her like this.
She hated herself for doing this to him. Sweet, kind, loving Gilbert. The only person in the world who knew her inside and out. Her best friend.
At the renewed gentleness in his eyes, Anne stepped closer. The lump in her throat was growing even more coarse.
'Gil..it's not you, believe me when I say that. I don't know how to explain it. Please, Gilbert. Trust me when I say- let me go.'
Something strong awakened in Gilbert at hearing her words. He found the courage to close the distance between them, pressing their foreheads together. Anne found herself closing her eyes and relaxing under his touch.
'I can't do that, Anne,' Gilbert whispered, and Anne could tell he'd closed his eyes too. 'I love you with too much of a fury. Don't you know? There will never be anyone for me but you.'
Foreheads still pressed together; they gently swayed, in silent agreement to let themselves feel at home with one another.
Then, in the silence, Gilbert's lips softly touched her own, and Anne knew she was lost to him. Their kiss deepened, and she found herself burying her fingers in his hair to bring him closer. Gilbert held her closer still. This kiss was sweetness and tenderness, love and longing. She wanted this...she wanted him.
Gilbert slowly pulled away, and Anne had to stop herself from pulling him back. Their eyes met, and he grazed her soft cheek with his thumb. He placed a kiss there. He closed his eyes and lightly kissed her brow. He reveled in the smell of her hair, in the fact that she might finally be letting him in. He was on top of the world. Until his Anne dragged him down.
Oh, Anne! What do you think is going to happen next?