I knew I wasn't entitled to the emotions that coursed through me. I also knew my anger and surprise weren't invalid. I wasn't used to having these types of emotions when it came to relationships. I had distanced myself from getting too close to a woman on that level. I compartmentalized and dedicated myself to being a bachelor. It's what I wanted. But I was also mad at myself and conflicted. This wasn't at all what I was used to.

I didn't respond to Kat that night. I went home, took the rare step of taking an Ambien, which I usually saved for international flights, and went to sleep. When...