But that's what this was, right? Just another one of those things.
Damn his heart for falling so quickly, and damn himself for being such a fool. So weak. Ajay would be more than disappointed. How many times had he come so close to admitting to that one, horrible four-letter word, only to have life come and rip that hopefulness to pieces? And how many times would it continue to happen before he learned his lesson?
"Not right now, Rory," he said calmly, letting her place kisses on his cheeks and nose even when he wanted to pull back. His ears did flick round and press to his skull, but not out of anger. "You don't understand, and that's not your fault. I need to be alone right now." He stepped back then with a polite dip of his head, still not meeting her gaze. "Uh, I guess, if you need me you know where to find me. I'm not really going anywhere."
Maybe the next time they met could be on better terms.