Just as he was about to close the door, Alexis stopped him. She held his hand and whispered, "If it's still not working, we can seek counseling. Leonel, I'm serious about us."

In the dimly lit night, dressed sharply in his suit, he looked down at her.

A different emotion flickered in his dark eyes. After a moment, Leonel responded in a raspy voice, “I'm serious, too. Alexis, let's make it work this time."

As he sat next to her, she leaned in to kiss him. Speaking softly, she said, "I have a business trip tomorrow morning. If tonight doesn't pan out, we'll try again when I return."

Leonel cradled her face and half-jokingly exclaimed, "Mrs. Douglas, you're driving me to distraction. If I hold back too much, it might just be too much for me."