I leave my bike near the porch. While Brie tries to put the key in the lock, I

come up to her from behind, breathing gently on her little neck.

“Let me help,” I tell her in a soft voice, covering her hand with mine. I feel

her trembling, and I take matters into my own hands. I open the lock and

like the gentleman I am, I let her pass first. Brie quickly gets into the house,

and I follow her.

There is complete silence in her house. I hear only our breathing and the

ticking of the wall clock in the living room. Tension is growing between us,...