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scene ended, and there was nothing but darkness.
    Sara tensed up and pulled her hand out from under Chip’s.
    “What’s wrong?” Chip asked.
    “You wouldn’t understand,” Sara said. She feared that if she told him, Chip would run from her just like all the others. He would think she was a demon or a freak, too. She couldn’t risk that. Despite Sara’s sorrow, he brought a strange sense of calm and comfort to her. Sara wanted him to stay, if only for a little while. She was compelled to know more about this mysterious stranger.
    You will meet him soon. The words her mother spoke in the bizarre dream she had had popped into her head. No, it couldn’t be. Sara thought. It’s just a coincidence.
    “Please, Sara, try me,” he said gently. “I promise I don’t bite.”
    “You might if you knew the truth,” she said.
    “I doubt that,” he said, smiling. “I can tell you’re kind, obviously beautiful, and the type of person who cares deeply about others. But you’ve got a secret. And it’s tearing you apart. I sense sadness… fear. You don’t have to be afraid with me, Sara. Trust me.”
    Sara wanted to. Her whole being ached to be with this man, this handsome, kind, intriguing stranger. But life had taught her that death always got in the way of everything. She could never have any sort of relationship with a man. There was no future for him with her.
    “My neighbor called me a witch and a demon this morning,” she involuntarily blurted.
    Chip laughed. “A demon is the last thing you are,” he said. “Your neighbor is clearly off his rocker.”
    “People think bad things about me,” she said. “You don’t want to get involved with me. I’m nothing but trouble.”
    “Why don’t you let me be the judge of that?” he said. He took her hand into his.
    Again, she wanted to kiss him, but she couldn’t. Something held her back. She didn’t want to hurt him. She didn’t want to let him down. She didn’t want to drag him into her dark, tormented world. But why? She hardly knew this man. And yet he was so familiar.
    Sara blinked hard and then focused again on Chip sitting across from her, looking at her with those caring eyes. Maybe he really could help her; maybe he really would understand. But as much as she wanted to let him, Sara couldn’t take that risk. Even though she had just met Chip, she felt something she hadn’t felt in years. It was powerful, and it filled her soul with a refreshing nourishment that blocked some of the sadness and despair she had suffered for so many years. In the few moments she had been with him, she had forgotten about wanting to kill herself. Instead, she felt love. Sara loved him. And she would do anything to protect him.
    Oh crap, Sara thought. I’ve obviously been reading way too many romance novels. I can’t love him.
    “I’m sorry, Chip,” she said. “I can’t get involved with you. I like you too much to drag you into my problems.”
    “Don’t worry. Problems are my specialty. I’m working on my PhD in psychology.”
    Oh great, Sara thought. A shrink. It figures. “I don’t need a therapist,” she said bluntly.
    “I don’t want to be your therapist, just your friend,” Chip said, his expression turning serious. “Well, actually, what I really want is to be more than your friend. I’d love to take you out on a date, if you’ll let me.”
    “I’m not looking for a boyfriend,” Sara said, her pulse quickening and warm tingling sensations traveling through her body.
    “Okay, strictly friends then. No strings attached. Now tell me what’s up with you. Please. That’s what friends are for. I promise I’m a good listener—and I won’t judge you.”
    Sara paused for a few minutes. For some odd reason, she really did feel compelled to share her story with him. But she was afraid to reveal too much. “My life is a mess,” Sara said cautiously. “You really don’t want to get involved with me.”
    “Life is about risks, Sara,” he said.