Chapter 4 

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I believe in love
A love that's real
Love that's strong
Love that lives on and on
Yes I believe in love

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"You know it's one thing to know your life is messed up.  It's another to realize that you are the one that messed it up."

"What are you talking about Piper?"

"I mean I'm sorry.  I didn't give you a chance to explain what happened and then I made a rash decision and here I am."

She stood up then and started to pace.  "I guess I did the proverbial, cut my nose to spite my face.  I mean I never wanted Dan.  It's just that when I saw you were with Lily I reacted and did the only thing I knew to make you realize how much that hurt to see you with her."

"Piper I was never WITH Lily.  She came on to me.  And then she kissed me and I was so surprised that I couldn't even think."

"That's where part of the anger comes in Leo.  I TOLD you that she wanted you!  And YOU DIDN'T BELIEVE ME!" 

"SO YOU WENT AND  SLEPT WITH DAN?  HOW IS THAT FAIR?"

Piper took a breath and calmed down Leo doing the same.

"Listen Leo.  I'm sorry.  But I didn't sleep with Dan until after I got to Paris.  He came over that night we broke up and he listened to me cry.  Then he slept on the couch.  I couldn't sleep with him so soon after.  And..."

She did not want to go into how HUGE her mistake had been.  It was all rash and impulsive and very un-like her.  Which of course caused her nothing but trouble.

"I'm sorry too Piper.  I never meant for any of this to get so far where we ended up spending fifteen months apart.  I just don't know what to do now."

"I don't either Leo." it was then that she started to cry.  She didn't want to cry in front of him to show her weakness, but deep down inside it was a desire in her to do so.  She hadn't cried in fifteen months.  She knew Dan couldn't stand to see her cry and would always leave when he thought she was about to.  But Leo, her Leo was always strong enough to see her cry.  

He had always been there for her.  Had loved her for so long and the moment when their relationship was put to the test she failed.  And with that thought the tears came a new.  "Piper what is wrong?  Come here." he guided her to the couch and into his lap.  His arms held her and his hands rubbed her back as she cried.  "I'm so sorry Leo." she said through sobs.  "I'm so sorry." she kept repeating.

"I'm sorry too." he whispered.  He continued to hold and soothe her.  Never letting her go.  He had missed this.  Missed having her in his arms.  Missed kissing her.  Missed everything... he had to stop that train of thought right there.  There was still so much they had to work through and she was vulnerable right now.  Not a good place for either of them to be in.

Her tears eventually stopped and Piper whose head was resting on Leo's shoulder looked up at him.  And right then neither of them could resist.  The kiss was hesitant, tender and so very peaceful.  It was like coming home from a long journey.  And when Piper sighed the flood gates opened and soon they couldn't stop kissing.  The passion building and building.  Until they both looked at one another and stopped.

"We can't do this.." they said at the same time and laughed.  "Yeah.  We still have much more to talk about." Piper agreed.  Leo shook his head.  "I should be getting back.  I have work tomorrow and you have a flight.  Do you need a ride?"  She shook her head.  Before she could think she blurted out, "Would you sleep with me?"  She closed her eyes, "I mean will you stay and sleep?  I don't mean have sex or anything, but it's been so long and I've missed you and ..."  He stopped her with a kiss.

"I thought you would never ask."

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End of Chapter 4