His lips touch hers, and it's both what she's been expecting and not that at all, so fast and so innocent it leaves her more confused than she started. But it breaks the tension, at least, and she rises when he does.

He moves closer to the edge, fearless, until he's right on the edge. Has much as she wants to write it off as posturing he's scaring her, and she grabs for his hand.

"It doesn't have to be."