Chapter Nine They found a common ground for conversation during dinner by discussing their mutual interests and the misadventures they'd both experienced while traveling abroad and the misunderstandings that can happen when you're less than fluent in the language you're trying to communicate in. Caitlin hadn't laughed so much in a long time and Dunce was delighted by her quick wit and natural warmth. After dinner as they danced languidly to the sultry vocals of ETA James and the instrumentals of Miles Advise, their bodies swaying to the beat of the music. Dunce murmured against her hair as she nestled against him. "Caitlin, stay with me tonight?" Feeling her body stiffen, he stopped moving and stepped back slightly, his eyes meeting her startled expression. "Caitlin?" "I-I can't." She said turning away. Her emotions suddenly at war with each other. She felt drawn to him and wanted to stay, but she wasn't sure she could trust her judgment at this point, fearing she might regret it in the morning. Grasping at straws, she nervously grabbed the first excuse she could think of. "What about Tanya? I-I can't leave her locked up in the house all night." She answered, her voice sounding strained. Taking her face between his slightly callused hands, he saw the unspoken fear and indecision in her eyes. Speaking as calmly and gently as he could, he said. "Caitlin, if you're not ready, I understand. We don't have to do anything. Just let me hold you, and when you're ready, tell me what's happened to you, that's sent you running from the city. I'm a very good listener." Searching his eyes for a sign of sincerity and finding it. Caitlin placed her hands over his and brought them down to hold in her own. Speaking slowly and cautiously, she tried to explain her jumbled thoughts. "It's just too much, too soon, Dunce. I'm tempted to stay, but I can't, not yet." "Then just let me hold you, I'm not going anywhere, he said, as they started moving to the sultry music again.