Evaline:
For a heartbeat, neither of us moved.
The sharp ringing of River's phone sliced into the moment like a cruel joke from the universe, echoing through the candlelit hall. I blinked, still caught in the haze of almost-kissing him. Our foreheads were still nearly touching, and his hand was curled at my waist, warm and steady.
I tried to pull back... not because I wanted distance, but because someone clearly needed to answer that damn phone.
But River's arm tightened around me before I could take a full step.
"Don't," he murmured.
He didn't even pretend to hide the frustration vibrating through him.
He simply dragged me right back into his arms as though refusing to accept reality.
He tilted his head down again, determination flashing in his eyes, clearly intending to kiss me this time without hesitation.
I pressed two fingers lightly to his lips, stopping him just in time.
"River," I whispered, the barest breath of a laugh escaping me, "your phone."
