She found him fixing his eyes on her lips, her face burning in embarrassment, and she lowered her head a little, avoiding looking at him.

"Leave me." Her low, awkward tone woke him up from his stare at her, and he took a minute before he could comprehend what was happening and whispered, "Okay."

Then he quickly took his hands off her, setting her free

"I apologize for hitting you," she said and continued on her way.

"No, your tender hands didn't hurt me," he shouted, so you could hear him, almost sure that she smiled, but she didn't turn to him.

She went in and shut the door quickly,...