She didn’t like roses.

Dylan tightened his hold as if afraid she might slip away. His voice was soft, almost pleading. "I know I've hurt you in ways I can never take back." Slowly, he turned her to face him, his hands cupping her. "I know it's not easy, but you can try. Let's try it together. Please…"

His thumb brushed away her tears, his heart pounding with the hope that she might, just this once, take a chance on him again.

Ava couldn't look into his eyes. She was terrified that if she did, her resolve would shatter, that she might see the hope in his eyes and fall for it once more. She quickly pushed his hands away and hurried toward the bedroom.

But Dylan wasn't going to let her go that easily. With a determined move, he caught her by the arm and stopped her.

"Let me go," she managed, barely able to control her tears.