She made a quiet noise, catching his shoulders, pressed up against him and balancing mostly on the toes of one foot. Jamie was a team leader, she'd seen him take charge. As chagrined as he sometimes was by it, she never really questioned his ability to do so.

In this arena, however, it would be fair to say he has patently avoided taking anything resembling charge at all costs. I can't say I mind the sudden switch, even if it makes me feel nervous and gun shy and young. I just have to act like it doesn't.

Now her arms were around his neck. She kissed him not in one long, deep press but in rhythmic, slightly wet meetings of lips, brief but full.