"I definitely know I'm not having a terrible time," Krem said with a bright, cheery deference to her mock concern. Her hand was still just as soft as it had been when they had met; he hadn't imagined that. Boldly, he turned his palm up under her hand on his, and let his fingers brush her wrist.

This time, he was sure his flush showed on his cheeks a little, for how warm they felt. The waiter came and collected their plates for them, and Krem requested a bottle of wine that would go with whatever Adaline ordered for dessert.