Her heart helplessly drowned in his eyes; the air they both inhaled was suddenly infected with hope, with the very atoms holding their breath in anticipation, and the brisk but contagious warmth permeated the air between them.

A turmoil of thoughts and regrets danced around her head. But as they became one, she could swear his soul longed for hers.

And in that moment, she begged the rain to wash away the blazing flame that mercilessly besotted her lips.