Reinette allowed herself several full, memorable minutes of indulgence. It was never so much that they deliberately teased one another, or attempted to hurt the other with purposed intent. And she was fairly certain that her own desire was stronger than his own. After all, hers was a love thirty years in the making.

It became difficult, she knew, to have what you wanted most so close, and not to reach for it. But he was still learned, and often still confused by her time. Reinette refused to burden him with more.

With a soft breath, she finally lifted her mouth mere inches from his own.

"You must be exhausted."