"Do you want to do the honours, or should I take over and do it for you?" Viola's teasing voice rang in Emerald's mind, making her feel an electric buzz of tension throughout her body.
Emerald blinked, her lips still slightly parted as she felt Kieran's warm breath against her face. Her fingers instinctively twitched at her sides, lost in the moment.
She could smell the pine and frost in the air, feel his hand resting on her waist, and the bond between them seemed to gently urge her to say yes.
But Viola's words were sobering, reminding them of the time, place, and situation they were in. If she wanted to kiss Kieran.
She drew in a breath, forcing the bond's buzz to quiet.
Kieran's gaze was steady and calm. He wasn't pressing. Just waiting.
"I…" Emerald pulled back slowly, her hand brushing his as she stepped away. "Thank you. For tonight. It was… more than I expected."
He didn't hide the flicker of disappointment, but he nodded once, respectfully. "You're welcome."
