Think

Tal hated seeing Ryan hurt, but his hard stare remains as she speaks. He wanted to believe her. He wanted to believe that she did love him. But with everything having added up lately he was struggling... struggling to know what the truth was, and struggling with the fear of just ending up more hurt than he already was. 

As Ryan takes his hand, he doesn't hold hers, but he doesn't retreat, just letting her continue. Since knowing her, he'd never seen her this desperate. He didn't want to hurt her. He didn't want to be unfair or break her heart. But he had a longer history than he liked to think about, for having his own heart taken advantage of. He'd never expected to become close to Ryan in the first place - he'd considered her far out of his league. But now that they'd formed a relationship, this whole thing was tearing him apart. Was he really the only man she wanted? Why had she even allowed Alec so close to begin with? Even Eli had admitted she and Alec had something special. Could it really be ignored or overcome? 

Sighing deeply, Tal looks down before toying with Ryan's hand. "I love you too, Ryan," he responds softly. "I didn't ever plan on it... but I care about you more than I have for any other woman. I guess that's why this upsets me like it does. I just... I want to believe you. I want to believe that what you and Alec had won't come between us. And I just don't know." 

Finally raising his eyes, he looks to Ryan's face. "This morning, I had it figured out. I was gonna forget the whole thing and just be happy. And now... now I'm right back where I was last night." 

He shakes his head slowly before letting her hand slip from his and backing up a step towards the driver's door on his car. "I gotta go. And think."

Rosalyn feels herself melt all over again in Chad's arms. It just never failed. Returning his kiss, she sighs a happy sigh as he retreats. Giggling, she shakes her head. "Those shirts are probably loosening their buttons on purpose." 

Grinning, she finally lets him go and turns to the oven to warm it up. "I think lunch at our tree sounds fabulous, as long as we're both still alive when my father realizes you're still here this morning." 

She rolls her eyes before handing Chad a stack of napkins to be set out on the tables. "But if we feel the need to hide out... I wouldn't mind taking a look at those buttons..."