Chapter Thirteen

As Della pulled away from the kiss, a rush of guilt and confusion washed over her. She had let her emotions get the best of her, giving in to the moment without thinking about the consequences.

"Michael, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have let that happen," Della whispered, her voice tinged with regret and self-reproach.

Michael, too, felt a mix of emotions swirling within him - a combination of longing, confusion, and a deep sense of caring for Della. He reached out to her, his expression gentle and understanding.

"Della, I wanted that kiss from the moment I first saw you. There's something about you that drew me in, that made me want to be there for you, to protect you," Michael confessed, his voice filled with vulnerability and honesty. "I can't let you leave without knowing this, without knowing that I care about you more than words can express. I know we haven't known each other long, but there's a connection between us that I can't ignore."

Della's heart swelled with