She felt her face lift to his touch, and felt vaguely like one the flowers in her many gardens. It might be mortifying, such a public display of her own loneliness, if it did not feel so good.

Simple, yes. But so very good.

She wondered at the stories held in the texture of his fingers, what was caught up between the ridges and valleys there.

Contentedly she met him for a second kiss, and felt herself smile at Jack in return. Caused a stir, indeed. She was not ready to imagine the scene the next time they appeared socially. She was just about to ponder the question aloud when Reinette felt something sharp at her waist.

She pulled back, attempting to look stern but all she managed was a single choked breath of air. Of course he had ferreted out one of her most sensitive patches of skin.

"Did you just pinch me?"

Only of course she was laughing as well.