A Lingering Touch

As Aria fell, she gasped, her hands flying out to brace herself against his chest.

Her palms met warm, firm skin over solid muscle.

Seeing her tumble forward, Alaric abandoned his half-on shirt, his arm shooting out to encircle her waist, steadying her.

"It's ok..." He lifted his head to check if she was okay.

At the same moment, Aria, her hands still pressed to his chest, also looked up.

A warm,