“Is that a yes?” he whispers, and she laughs again.
“Yes. Always yes. Thank you. I think I understand now.”
“I meant every word. Sorry it wasn’t more eloquent.”
“It was perfect. Because it was real.”
“It was definitely real.” He shifts to sit against the bed, and she doesn’t let go as she leans across him to bury her face in his neck.
To her surprise, his hands slide onto her waist, and he pulls her closer.
There’s nowhere to go but into his lap. Is that what he wants?
“Kiss me, Elowyn.” The yearning in his voice leaves her breathless, and when he nuzzles her ear, she melts against him. She doesn’t even hesitate as he guides her into his lap. “Kiss me,” he whispers again.
“I might grow dehydrated,” she says softly.
“What?” His voice is hoarse as he pulls back to see her face.
“My water magic is all that keeps me from lighting you on fire.” She presses her forehead to his as their breath mingles. Her hands slide onto his chest over his coat, and as she clutches the wool, memories of his bare flesh surface.
“I’m sorry,” he says. “Should we stop?”
“You are not allowed to apologize for igniting my inner flame. Ever.”
His lips stretch into a smile.
“Promise to bring me water if I need it?” she asks softly.
“Always.”
As his heart thuds to match the thrumming of her own pulse, she tentatively brushes his lips with her own.
His flesh is cool against hers, and she pulls back. “Am I too hot?”
“That was pretty warm,” he laughs. “You feel feverish. You’re hot all over.”
“Sorry—”
“Everything about you. Remember? I’m falling in love with everything. Even your fire magic.” He gently circles his thumb on her waist, and she draws on her water magic to cool her flaming skin and the tingling in her palms.
“Waterfalls,” he whispers. “I can smell it radiating from you now. Along with the smokiness.” He leans toward her, grazing her lips once more. Her lower lip. Her upper one. Then he kisses her. It’s a gentle kiss. Soft and undemanding. Unrushed.
When he lets go of her waist, her stomach flips. What is he doing?
Then his thumbs graze her ears, and she gasps.
“May I?” he whispers against her lips, and she can barely manage to nod.
Then he presses his lips to hers again as he slides his thumbs along the tips of her ears.
And there’s nothing else. Just Rominy and his hands and his lips on her flesh. Everything beyond him fades.
It’s all she can do to keep her water magic at the fore as his kisses become more urgent. It’s wonderful and perfect, but when his fingers tease the tips of her ears, her palms tingle again.
“Rominy,” she breathes as she pulls away slightly. “I—”
“You’re growing warm again. Too much?”
