“Just come over here, Bertie. I know you’re sweet.” She looked a little self-conscious then. “And to be honest, I wouldn’t mind being held tonight. Please don’t misunderstand me, I like you very much,” she said quickly. “But this isn’t intended to lead you to anything else. Not tonight.” Her final words caused the stirrings in him again. He once more quieted them, for even if she had been interested tonight, he felt he would be too tired and too distracted to enjoy it. He did not want it to feel hollow. “There are different types of comfort appropriate for different occasions.” He tried to
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