The tension he'd been far too aware of since he first reached her house melted from him at her words, even as he realized that they were no closer to fixing whatever it was that had broken in Charlotte mere weeks ago. Still, her openness, however small, lent him hope that maybe he could find that passion in her again.

Closing the short distance between them, his hand brushed along the edge of her hair, his fingers trailing lightly down her cheek as he met her eyes.

"You could see me everyday, Char. You know that. You know Josh will move out in a heartbeat if I asked." His voice was soft and almost tremulous as he lifted her gaze to meet his own. "It's your own choice that is keeping us from being together. Your own choice that is keeping me from helping you heal."