She was watching him in disbelief. Reaching her hand out, she lightly stroked his thigh. “Graham, what’s the matter?”

He shook his head, looking at the wall, as if not understanding it himself. “I just feel like…” He sighed. He turned to look at her, and gently placed his hand on her face, as she remained lying on the bed.

She realized she had read the situation the wrong way. She started to sit up, pulling her legs up, then swinging them over the side of the bed to sit next to him. Tears began to sting her eyes. What was I thinking coming onto him like that? He must think I’m a desperate slut.

Standing up quickly, she started walking toward the door. She didn’t want to turn to look at him until her eyes dried out a little. “Ok, thanks for keeping me company tonight.”

Before she reached the door, she felt his presence directly behind her and heard his deep voice. “Taylor?”

She turned around, and their faces were only inches away. He asked, “Can I kiss you again?”

She was confused. She looked away, and then gave a slight shrug, not wanting to give away how excited she was at the possibility, or how confused she was about what was happening.

He reached forward, and placed a hand on the back of her neck. Looking into her eyes, he asked, “Is this OK?”

She nodded, waiting for what he’d do next.

He leaned forward and kissed her gently.

His soft lips were making her heart rate increase again. She resisted wrapping her arms around him. She didn’t want to seem too eager yet again.

He broke the kiss. While looking into her eyes, with his hand still on the back of her neck, he said, “You seem like a great person.”

He waited, seemingly gauging her reaction.

Then continued, “I’d like to get to know you better.”

He waited again. Then asked, “Would that be OK with you?”

She nodded, but still felt a little disappointed that he seemed ready to leave. What did I do wrong?

He asked, “Can we hang out tomorrow night after my show?”

She nodded again.

Then he walked out the door, saying good night.

Taylor still felt confused about what had just happened. Why did he leave? Doesn’t he want me?

She tried to replay their conversations in her mind.

She just shook her head, and she realized she never asked him if he was single. Maybe that’s what’s going on. I find a different sort of guy, but he has the same problem as all the rest. Already Taken.