She lets me hold her, even leans back against me like she's happy to stay in the circle of my arms. And it's starting to feel comfortable like it was before.

She takes a drink, and I think she's smiling. "'M not going to mess this up," I murmur as I bend my head to kiss her shoulder. Never meant anything more.

I know she has to get back to work soon, but I can squeeze her tight one last time before I let her go.