Despite the morning fogs and the cold temperatures, autumn in Paris was one of my favorite seasons.

I inhaled deeply and strolled down one of the streets before going to dance, enjoying the crisp autumn air and the sight of the beautiful buildings around me.

I needed to get out of our apartment to be far from Liam's sad eyes and the conversation he probably wanted us to have.

I would let him say what he wanted, but I needed to calm down and collect myself first.

The events of the last two days made me feel drained. The emotional roller-coaster was a permanent thing in my life now.

Unlike many other times in the past, this time, I was proud of myself. For once, I voiced my thoughts and my wishes and didn't fall into the old pattern of being a doormat so that the guy wouldn't get mad at me or leave me, even if that guy was as horrible as my ex.

If Liam wanted us to work, he would make an effort and try to understand me. I cared about him deeply, and seeing the tears on his cheeks broke me just as much as it broke him.

We were both hurt, both of us had issues we needed to work on, and while I sought help, Liam was trying to cope with everything on his own.

I understood his insecurities and his lack of trust. It wasn't easy to open your heart again when someone had already broken it. What hurt me wasn't the way Liam felt, but the lack of communication between us.

We needed to learn to discuss things before the situation got too messed up to solve. I also knew that I should have told him about my ex and his abuse. I was planning to do it eventually.

The sense of calm washed over me when I let myself into the already familiar building. Brigitte never came to the studio on weekends. Although I liked her company and the stories she entertained me with, I was grateful for being able to spend some time alone with my thoughts without anyone's interference.

Once in the dance hall, I changed into a comfortable pair of leggings and a fitted top and put on some soft music to do stretches and relax. Having all afternoon and evening to myself would give me enough time to do that as well as think about what would happen next between Liam and me.

Just like it usually happened when I was doing something I enjoyed, I lost track of time. It got dark outside, and the wind grew stronger, judging by the moving branches I saw in the window.

The music stopped playing. I made a few steps toward the place where I'd put my phone and felt my blood freeze.

Someone was there with me. The unmistakable sound of footfalls echoed in the old building, making the floorboards creak.

"Sky?"

I heard Liam's voice outside the hall and exhaled, wiping the light sheen of cold sweat off my forehead.

"Here," I answered, wondering what Liam was doing in the studio when he was supposed to stay at home, taking care of Tim.

Turning toward the sound of footsteps, I saw Liam enter the hall where I was.

The spacious room was only lit by the street lights now, but it was enough for me to see that Liam looked slightly better.

His eyes were still red, but his face wasn't pale anymore. Hopefully, he felt well enough to talk.

"Hey," said Liam, loitering in the doorway. "I'm sorry if I scared you. The door wasn't locked."

I scolded myself for my absent-mindedness. Even though it was unlikely for someone to enter the dance school, I was responsible for the building.

My eyes sought Liam again. In his leather jacket, he looked as handsome as usual, even though I knew he didn't feel well.

"I'm sorry for coming here," said Liam. "If you want me to leave, just say it. I didn't want to intrude; I just want to talk to you and waiting till the evening was too hard."

"You don't have to leave," I replied. "But I thought you'd be home with Tim after he returned from his trip."

Liam shrugged. "I was, but I asked Amelia if Tim could spend the night at their place. Both boys were happy, as you can imagine. I had a cup of coffee at Amelia's, and here I am."

"I'm not mad, Liam," I whispered. "I probably have to be, but now I am too tired for that. I spent all day thinking, and it left me drained."

Liam and I stood in the middle of the hall, looking at each other.

"Is there anywhere for us to sit?" he asked.

Nodding, I grabbed my phone and led the way to a different room. It must have been an office at some point, judging by the desk and a small couch propped against the wall.

I took a seat, and Liam did the same next to me.

"I'm an asshole," he said, clasping his hands on his knees in front of him. "Right now, I am disgusted with myself because I hurt you when I ignored your calls and didn't come home. I don't know who I was punishing, baby. I spent all night awake, drunk and miserable, looking at your name flashing on the screen.

"Fuck, it's messed up and I know that none of my shitty excuses will make it better. I just want you to know that I stayed at Jeff's. I didn't cheat on you. No matter how pissed I am or how much I drink, I would never do that to you. You mean too much to me, Sky.

"I know I should have approached you and that prick instead of dashing out of there and letting my fucked up mind invent stuff.  I know it now, but back then it hurt so much I wasn't thinking. Seeing his face inches from yours made my fucking heart break. It brought back memories and pain, but none of it was your fault. I should have given you a chance to explain because I know I matter to you.

"I felt everything when we were together. The night we spent getting closer to each other meant as much to me as it did to you. You gave me your trust and let me be with you, kiss you and touch you. I felt so damn lucky, Sky. I feel lucky just sitting here next to you, and all of it — what I feel, what I want, what I crave is terrifying.

"I will probably fuck up again cause I'm good at it. I will try not to do it, though. I want to show you what kind of boyfriend I can be for you. I want you to see how much I care, but I won't rush. You were right today when you said you wanted to be sure when you gave yourself to me. I wouldn't be able to stand it if you ever regretted what happened between us.

"So, I accept your decision, although not having you after that one night will be torture. Forgive me, sweetheart. I know I don't deserve it, but I'm begging you regardless."

I moved closer to Liam and drew my arms around him, making him exhale a shaky breath as he stroked my back, his touch warm and soothing.

"My precious girl," he whispered, placing small kisses on my cheek. "I don't even know how the hell I lived without you."

I kissed Liam's cheek and snuggled into him. We stayed quiet for a long moment, listening to each other's breathing and saying nothing.

"There's something I would like to suggest," said Liam.

My eyebrows shot up. "What?"

"We have time now. I wanted to dance with you. More than that, I want it to be our thing. We can choose the songs we want. We will take turns choosing music. We can try different dances and styles until we settle on those we love the most. Would you like that?"

"Yeah." I nodded, smiling.

"Then it's time for the first dance practice," said Liam, rising to his feet.

***

Back in the dance hall, Liam got rid of his boots and jacket, standing in front of me in a white tee and a pair of black jeans.

He connected the speakers to his phone and extended his hand for me to take when the first song started to play.

However, this time, it wasn't only slow-dancing. Liam and I practiced the dance moves we both knew. I let him guide me, make me spin and turn, changing the sequence of movements, and trying different combinations.

He was encouraging and tender, gently correcting me when I made a mistake and showing me how to do it better.

We danced for what seemed like hours. The last song Liam chose was a slow one. Seeing how tired I was, he gathered me in his arms and pressed me to him.

I wasn't short, but Liam was taller, and right now, I was grateful for that because I could tuck my head in the crook of his neck and let his strong arms envelop me in a tight embrace.

I felt Liam's lips on my forehead and his hands on my back, caressing my skin as we swayed in the dark hall.

I was dying to kiss him and break the promise I made to myself. It took only his closeness for me to want him like I'd never wanted anyone before, but this time, I wanted to make it work.

I wanted us to learn to communicate and trust one another, to voice our fears and doubts before they messed with our heads. Just like in dancing, it was hard to make progress if one of the partners moved in the opposite direction.

The melody stopped playing, but Liam was still holding me, caressing my cheek with one hand and gazing into my eyes.

"What?" I asked him when the intensity in his gaze threatened to burn me through layers of clothes.

"I've lost too much already," whispered Liam. "Partly, those events are to blame for the way I act and for the long list of my fuckups. You probably think that my words are worth nothing, sweetheart, and I cannot blame you for that, not when I let you down the way I did.

"I might have lost a lot, but I can't lose you. I will do whatever it takes for you to forgive me, baby. Whatever it takes."

Thoughts?