He closed the distance between us and took me by the shoulders. “It isn’t going to matter where you work, Sylvia. Or where you live. I love you too. And I’ll wait for you. I’ll wait as long as it takes to prove to you that I’m not going anywhere—because you’re worth it. You’re worth everything.” Then his lips were on mine in a hot, commanding kiss that broke down all my defenses.

I threw my arms around his neck and felt myself being wrapped in his strong, safe arms and lifted right off the floor. For a full minute, I let myself be swept up in the feelings—in the release of my pent-up yearning for him, in the desire he ignited within me, in the blissful haze of hearing he loved me and wanted me and was willing to wait.

But I couldn’t let him.

“No, Henry.” Tearing my lips off his, I forced the words out, although I nearly choked on them. “Don’t wait for me.”

“Sylvia, please, can’t we—”

“No!” I pushed against his chest, and he set me on my feet, releasing me from his embrace. Unable to meet his eyes, I turned away from him and stared at the door. “We can’t go on like this, Henry. It’s too hard. I came racing over to the winery today so excited to see you, and when I got there, I was so desperate for you to put your arms around me and so sad when you didn’t.”

“I’d have given anything to be able to put my arms around you this morning,” he said quietly. “You have no idea how badly I wanted to. But I was trying to respect your wishes, Sylvia.”

“I know,” I whispered, failing to stop the tears from falling. “I know how unfair it is. And I’m sending mixed signals—even to myself.” I finally turned around again. “But I don’t want to be sad anymore, Henry. This is too hard.”

His eyes held so many emotions—love, heartache, frustration, pain. “Tell me what to do, and I’ll do it.”

I looked at him, this gorgeous, sexy, strong man so willing to do anything for me, and wondered if it could be possible he was telling the truth. If it was possible he could love me the way he said he did. If it was possible I was worth it.

If it was possible he’d stay forever.

But I couldn’t bring myself to believe it.

Instead, I opened the door, letting the cold air rush in. “You need to go, Henry. Forget about me.”