When Kijani wrapped her arms around Adam, he felt the last of his resolve melt away. He knew he missed her deeply, but now, after this, he knew it ran so much deeper. He [i]needed[/i] her, and there was no way in hell that he would ever let her go again.

"It's okay. I'm sure I don't smell much better." he said, returning the hug and completely embracing her. "I'm sorry for dropping that bombshell on you last time we talked. I didn't want to put you on the spot or anything." 

He lessened his grip on her and looked directly into her eyes. "If you just want to stay friends, I understand. I won't get in the way if you and Eskel." It hurt to say it, but he cared deeply about her own happiness and didn't want her to feel like she owed him anything more.