Luke leaned against the counter. Hannah stood by the sink, which was situated in a small U-shaped area created by the counter, stove, and refrigerator. Her hands curled around the edge of the counter. She turned to face him; he stood directly across from her. Her heart still pounded; she felt like it was trying to beat away the panic. He could easily reach her and did so by simply leaning forward and lifting his hands to rest them on her hips. She allowed her crossed arms to fall. He pulled her to him. In slow motion, she allowed herself to be gently tugged into the haven that was his body. She closed her eyes and felt warmth, comfort, and the now-familiar flickers of heat that built quickly between them. It was as if there were banked coals that were stirred to flame anytime they touched.
