The one-hour drive to Green Mountain National Forest gave Tim some time to organize his thoughts. What really struck him, as he mulled things over, was the fact that Burt Maddox had fallen so hopelessly in love with Josephine so quickly. He himself had fallen hard for someone in the past, but he did not go to such extreme lengths as Laura’s father. Of course, there was a question of whether she had been honest with him or not. Still, he had no way of verifying her story. Asking Josephine about it would be unnecessary and she would probably not dignify his question with an answer.

Tim would have to drive through the night. For a moment, he thought of calling his sister and announcing his decision to her. However, he quickly rejected that notion, as Caitlin would most likely try to talk him out of it. She had urged him to stay there for as long as he could, maintaining that it was the best job that a man like him could get at the time. Tim had let her down plenty of times in the past. He knew he would be breaking her heart once more, but he was absolutely sure that she would show some understanding once he explained his situation to her.

Yet, something intrigued him, on his way to his room. Cheers of joy were coming out of Josephine’s lab. She and her colleagues were either laughing or clapping their hands, apparently in high spirits. However, Tim did not stop. Whatever they were happy about was none of his business. A single glance from her would make him doubt his decision. It occurred to him that he had to pack his bags in a hurry. Tim wanted to leave undetected; his fellow security guards would soon finish patrolling outside and the scientific staff had clearly finished their work for the night.

A faint smile formed on his face, as he laid his eyes on his bed. He had had dozens of one-night stands in the past, but never had he reflected on any of those experiences. For the first time ever, leaving someone behind was hurting him. He was attracted to Josephine, much more than he initially believed. He still had dozens of unanswered questions, but the only way for him to get some answers was by getting closer to her and that was simply out of the question.

Josephine’s associates had already left her lab, when he stepped onto the hallway. With a suitcase in his hand, he crossed the wide corridor in a hurry, heaving a sigh of relief. They had missed him. As his footsteps brought him closer to the door of the lab, he rolled his eyes right, to the grey wall across from it.

“Mr. Shaw?” Josephine’s feminine voice echoed back at the walls of the hallway, stopping him in his tracks. Tim bent his head down, biting his lower lip, wishing that he had remained in his room for a few more minutes. “What’s with the suitcase? Where are you going?”

“Somewhere far away from here,” He announced, looking down at her over his left shoulder.

“You’re leaving?” She asked, taking a few, quick steps towards him, her every word reeking of panic. “Why?”

“Why?” he exclaimed, “because I can’t stand this! That’s why!”

“What about your date with Laura?” Josephine interjected yet another question, stepping in front of him. “You did go out with her, didn’t you?”

“I thought doctors are supposed to be smart,” Tim responded, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

“I’m sorry about this morning. I…”

“Are you?” He squinted at her. “I don’t think so, doc.”

“Mr. Shaw…”

“Stop calling me that!” Tim yelled, his deep, manly voice reverberating through his skull. “Do you even remember last night?”

Josephine slid her gaze down his face, heaving a long, deep sigh. She lifted her right arm to her face and put her hand over her mouth, squeezing her eyes shut. Tim’s heart was beating so loudly and so fast that he could hear it pounding in his chest. As much as he needed an answer, it was clear to him that she could not force another word out of her throat. He tightened his grip around the handle of his suitcase, determined to leave the compound. Her gaze shot up to meet his, just when he was about to look away from her.

“Yes, I do,” she said, her voice a tender, breathless whisper, as she blinked back some tears. “I can’t stop thinking about it. It was just…” she faltered, “Wonderful. Is that what you wanted me to say?”

Tim would not speak. He eased the suitcase down onto the floor and tilted his head down towards her, raising his arms. He cradled her face, gazing deep into her saddened eyes, as a tear rolled down her right cheek.

“Yeah,” he whispered, angling his lips. Their mouths joined in a long, passionate kiss, before Josephine wrapped her arms around his back. Tim ran his thumbs across her cheekbones, feeling her hot breath in his face. Her confession had sent shockwaves up and down his body. Josephine’s kiss made him warm inside. He laid a gentle kiss on her upper lip and slowly leaned back, opening his eyes.

“Please…” she begged, her voice trembling, “please go, Tim. It’s better this way.”

“I know, doc,” he whispered, feeling tears rising up in his eyes. “Take care.”

Tim leaned back, as she loosened her grip and picked up his suitcase from the floor. With a heavy heart, he turned around and left Josephine behind. Once again, she had managed to puzzle him. Their kiss had reminded him vividly of the passionate woman who had surrendered to him the night before. Still, Tim wanted more from her and he knew that she could not give him more. As attractive as she was, Josephine was nothing more than an unpredictable workaholic. Even if she did agree to go out with him, he would have to compete against her beloved job. Tim had fought his fair share of battles so far; yet, this was a battle that he could not win.

I really want to go back, hug you, and kiss you again and again, Joey. But you’re right. It’s better this way. You and Laura are going to drive me crazy. How could I stay, knowing that I can’t date you? Sooner or later, she’d come over and call you names again. I wouldn’t tolerate that. I’d tell her off. Good luck, doc. You’re going to need it…