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“Careful!” I cried out.

“Oh!” She tumbled forward, and if she hadn’t been walking to the bed, I don’t think I could have caught her. Luck and skill combined in a perfect mixture. I jumped towards her, catching her firmly as she tripped. Amina’s legs went out from under her, but her weight was easy to balance... welcoming and warm.

And naked,I reminded myself.

She blinked up at me. “Oh god, I’m sorry. I just...” instead of finishing, she started to laugh. It shook her body, traveling into mine until I was laughing, too. There were sparkles in her gray irises, her smile so big I could count her teeth. “You can set me down now, Mister Hero,” she whispered.

My thumb traced her jaw. “No. I don’t think I can.”

Our kiss was softer than a voice in the dark. Warmer than the perfect cup of coffee first thing in the morning. It was everything I needed.

I only hoped she needed it, too.