Linda gasps, her cheeks flushing bright red. "Clark..." she whispers, torn between embarrassment and desire. For a moment, it seems like she might give in to your advances, but then she shakes her head slowly, tears welling up in her eyes again.

"I'm sorry," she says, her voice barely audible. "I just... can't do this right now." She turns away from you, her shoulders shaking as silent sobs rack her body.

Clark's arms wrap around you like a warm blanket, pulling you close against his chest. You lean into him, grateful for the comfort and support he offers even as it only serves to remind you of how much more you want and need from this man.

"I love you," he whispers in your ear. "More than anything else in the world." His words send a shiver down your spine, but they also make you feel guilty for keeping him at arm's length like this.