She kissed him.
Her soft lips pressed against his light pink ones, and the world went quiet.
Julian didn't move at first—not out of hesitation, but because his entire body felt like it had turned to air. He was floating, melting, burning—all at once. Her lips were so warm, so tender, it made his heart flutter like it had never done before.
The kiss was slow and sweet.
And Julian, once he recovered from the shock, kissed her back—gently, carefully, like she was something delicate. His hand moved around her waist, not to pull her closer, but just to be there. To hold her. To stay with her like she asked.
His heart beat loudly in his chest, but Ruby's hand resting against it seemed to calm him.
