The warm light of a late afternoon filtered through the trees as Kit and I walked side by side down the winding park path. The air was cool, but not cold, with just enough of a breeze to make me pull my jacket tighter around me. Kit, noticing this, gave me a quick, mischievous grin and asked, "Chilly?"
I rolled my eyes, tucking my hands deeper into my pockets. "Not everyone insists on hiking in the cold," I teased, nudging his shoulder gently.
Kit chuckled, nudging me back—harder than I had expected, but not enough to send me off balance. The nudge was more of a lingering push, a pressure that stayed just a second too long, his fingers brushing against my arm before falling away. I felt a spark zip up my spine from the touch as goosebumps appeared around my arms and neck. I glanced up at him, cheeks warming.
"You're just saying that because you didn't bring gloves," he teased, but his voice was softer now, his gaze dropping to my hands before meeting her eyes again.
Without a word, he pulled off his own gloves, holding them out for me. His hand lingered close to mine as he passed them over, his fingers brushing against my fingers—warm, steady, and incredibly gentle. I let out a sharp breaths and hesitated before taking them. Kit didn't pull away right away, either; it felt like both of us were waiting for the other to move, but neither one wanted to let go.
After a moment, I took the gloves, slipping her hands inside them and laughing quietly. "I didn't ask for a handout," I teased, glancing away to hide the blush that refused to leave my cheeks.
"Oh, really?" Kit raised a brow, feigning a serious look. "And here I thought you'd be swooning over my chivalry."
I let out a laugh, my eyes softening as they met his again. The lingering touch, the way their fingers brushed together, left an almost tangible warmth between us. I gave a little shrug. "Well, maybe I am—just a little."
It was an admission that hung in the air, light and fragile, as though it would shatter if we looked too closely. Kit only smiled, slipping his hand into his pocket. For now, they continued their walk in comfortable silence, side by side, with more lingering touches that seemed to say everything they hadn't yet put into words.
