Shirley's cheeks were flushed with a mix of embarrassment and discomfort.

Seeing her expression, Abner decided not to push her further. He gently cradled her face and kissed her, his actions becoming tender.

He knew better than anyone about her relationship status.

He had never truly left her side, always waiting for her to ask him to stay.

But Shirley had never thought to ask him to stay. His claim of needing to wait six months to see her again must have finally sparked something in her, prompting her to reach out first. Abner had waited too long, yet he still hesitated to bare his soul to her.

His love for Shirley was intense, almost to the point of obsession, which had kept him at bay for so long.

Shirley had always been the good girl, living a life by the book. If it wasn't for her taking him out of his secluded life, she would have settled down with Mark, and none of this would have happened.

He had turned her life upside down, and he felt responsible. However, Shirley never seemed to want him to take responsibility.

"Shirley..." he called out tenderly, only to see tears in her eyes.

The alcohol was hitting her, her cheeks resting against his chest, biting her lip in silence.

Abner wiped away her tears. "Did I hurt you?"

Shirley shook her head, fearing this was all a dream.

"Abner, I did look for you," she confessed.

For a long time.

told anyone why she was so

love him?

he still wanted to

asked how he compared to

a tight spot, Shirley couldn't very well admit she'd

pretty much

her being playfully dominated all night, begging him to

get out of bed until two

Abner was no longer in the room, and she instinctively thought he might have left. Maybe their next meeting would be in six

as she walked out in her robe, she saw Abner sitting in the living room, working on a laptop, the room filled with the aroma of food. The table was

his

in her robe revealing marks. on

revealing only her

instinctively pulled her robe

tighter,

something when he

he showed little interest

brief talk,

"Lost for words?"

"I thought you

leave? Shirley, surely you don't still see me as just a

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