Jennifer was taken by surprise, frozen in place as his lips brushed lightly over her cheek. She didn't know what to do, didn't know what she could possibly say to make him stop. What was worse, though, was that she didn't want him to stop at all. No, not at all. The entire core of her existence wanted nothing more than to melt against him, throw her arms securely around his neck and kiss him back. But she couldn't do that. Not here, not now, not ever.

"Cal," she whispered back, tears coming down in full force now. She reached for him, placing her palm on his chest and smearing the paint a little. It wasn't to push him away. She had to steady herself or she might just keel over from everything. "Don't do this to me. Please. I can't tell you no again. I can't lie like that."