My hand shoots out before I even register the motion. My fingers curl around her wrist, firm, not cruel, and with one swift pull, the air between us collapses as she stumbles forward with a startled cry that’s half protest. Her weight settles awkwardly against me for a heartbeat before gravity takes over, and she falls into my lap, her legs awkwardly straddling mine. She gasps sharply, her eyes wide as saucers, as though she can’t quite believe what just happened. She shivers.
Autumn starts to push away—just slightly, and I catch her waist with hands that are far gentler than my earlier grip. My touch softens as I guide her into place, one arm sliding around her back to steady her as though she might dissolve if I let go too quickly. Her frame feels impossibly light against me, fragile ev
