Over the next couple of weeks, Kevin and Abigail settled into a comfortable routine. They spoke on the phone almost every day and they had gone out a few more times. They had met for ice cream, gone for a moonlight walk and spent a day at Kevin’s place. She definitely enjoyed spending time with Kevin and for the first time in over three years she felt like she just might be ready to bury her past with Frank. She had loved him and he would always hold a place in her heart, but she realized it was time to move on. She was pretty sure that given some more time, she’d be able to give herself to Kevin, despite all the reservations she still had.

At the same time, Kevin was finding it increasingly difficult to hide his true feelings from Abigail. He was definitely falling for Abigail, but he wasn’t sure how to proceed without pushing too much. They shared moments when he was pretty sure she felt the same way he did, but there were moments when she would pull away and close herself up. He knew he had to be patient and just give Abigail more time, but with each passing day, his feelings grew stronger and stronger for her.

 Abigail was thrilled when Kevin showed up at her office one day and asked her out to lunch. He made up the excuse that he was in the neighborhood and wanted to stop in to say hello. The truth was he drove all the way across Orlando just to see her. Abigail had panicked for a brief second because all of a sudden the secret element to their relationship had been revealed to her friends and co-workers. Abigail wasn’t ready for her friends to know whom she was involved with, and she certainly didn’t want Alexis to know, because she feared it was against company policy. But as usual, just seeing Kevin made all her worries melt away, so she couldn’t resist joining him for lunch. There was no way she could resist Kevin when he turned on the charm.

Lunch that day was the first time they had ventured out into a public place together and having Kevin’s bodyguard a few feet away from them at all times would take some time to adjust to. Although, Carlos did a good job at keeping a safe distance at all times. They decided to just get a hot dog in the park and sit at a picnic table, seeing that it was such a beautiful day outside. Kevin was slowly learning that he didn’t need to go all out to impress Abigail. “So, how’s your day been so far?” Kevin asked.

“Pretty busy, but I needed a break and you are a welcome distraction.” Abigail responded as she smiled at Kevin.

“I’m glad to hear that. When I first got there it was almost like you were angry with me for just showing up unannounced.” Kevin said.

“I was just surprised that’s all. I wasn’t sure I was ready for my friends and co-workers to know who I was seeing. They’ll be full of questions when I get back to the office, you know that eh.” Abigail said.

“I apologize if I caused problems for you.” Kevin said, kicking himself for not at least calling ahead.

“Don’t worry about it Kevin. I’ll just be honest and say that we’re only friends. There’s nothing to tell.” Abigail said, and she regretted it the second she said it. She had come to learn that Kevin was an extremely emotional person and he wore his heart on his sleeve. God, how she wished she could just tell Kevin about her past and then maybe he could understand why she was so reluctant to get involved with him. But no matter how hard he tried; he couldn’t guarantee her that a relationship with him would remain private. Abigail finally said, “I’m sorry if I’m hurting you Kevin.”

“Don’t be silly. What would give you that idea?” Kevin said as he tried to push his disappointment aside for Abigail’s sake.

“Kevin, please be honest with me and yourself. I know this isn’t easy for you. I can see you want more than friendship.” Abigail said.

“Yes I do Abigail, but I promised you I wouldn’t push you, so I’m not. I’m fine with the way things are progressing. I enjoy spending time with you and I am getting to know you better. That’s enough for me right now.” Kevin tried to assure both of them.

“I appreciate your patience Kevin, I really do. When we go for that drive on the weekend, we’ll talk about this further. I don’t want you thinking that I’m not interested in you, because I am. It’s just so complicated. I hope I can help you understand where my reluctance is coming from. It really doesn’t have anything to do with you.” Abigail said, trying her best to ease Kevin’s mind.

Kevin got the feeling that whatever happened in Abigail’s past would prevent her from ever getting into another serious relationship. He’d give Abigail the benefit of the doubt and listen to what she had to say on the weekend before he decided if it was best to just move on.

Kevin walked Abigail back to work and promised to call her to finalize their plans for the weekend. Beyond that, Abigail would have to call him if she was interested in talking or getting together. He had told Abigail how he felt and now he needed a sign from her that she really was interested in him. It bothered him, but his patience was wearing thin and he wasn’t sure he could just continue as friends. It had come down to all or nothing.