He sighed, a little gustily. It might have been the remnants of a laugh caught in his chest, because his lips tipped up in a smile. He didn't move his fingers from her jaw, and her own smooth, long fingers rested peacefully on his own.

"Sorry if the ring is strange," he said softly against her cheek. "I haven't kissed anyone since I got it."

And then, gently, he shifted his mouth just that little bit more and brushed his lips on hers.