“Would you … like a hug?” His gaze flashed to me. “A hug?” Already regretting the offer, I shrugged self-consciously. He hesitated, then lifted one arm in invitation. Surprised, I stepped over to him and put my arms around his shoulders. His hands settled lightly on my waist, almost like he wanted the option to push me away. I rested my head on his shoulder, my face turned away from his. My attention settled on the warm contact of another person—the rise and fall of his chest, the sound of his heart beating under my ear, his hands on my waist. The final jitters left my muscles and I relaxed.
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