Did he imagine that she didn't get up right away, that she was avoiding letting go as much as he was hoping she wouldn't? He sighed slightly. He wanted her, but there were so many reasons in his head that they couldn't be close like that.

"I'm really looking forward to this, too. I haven't had a partner in a long time. I've gotten so used to solo work that I'd forgotten what it's like." Joe said.

"Roxanne..." Joe said, feeling his mouth go dry. He wanted to ask her if what she said earlier about carrying a torch was only talk about the past. Then he remembered everything she'd been through and that she was still hurting, deep down. She needed more time.

Joe was trying to respect what she needed.

"It shouldn't take me long to get dressed. I'll be back in a few." he said, heading inside to change and get his gear.