Peter Aria couldn't exactly put a label on his feelings; was he moved, or filled with awe?
He didn't think he could ever do what Aubree did. Therefore, to him, Aubree was something extraordinarily unique.
He noticed a smudge of ash on her cheek and instinctively blurted out, "Don't move."
Aubree halted her actions, lifting her gaze to meet his.
Peter gently brushed the ash away with the tips of his fingers, which were slightly warm against her cool cheek. The moment their skin touched, it was like a wildfire sweeping across the plains – all-consuming and immediate.
Both of them froze at the same time.
Peter was the first to break the awkward silence, "Your face was dirty."
Aubree instinctively touched her cheek and nonchalantly replied, "Thank you."
Peter placed his hands behind his back, his fingertips burning.
At the kitchen doorway, Anton Cook stood silently, his hands clenched tightly into fists at his sides.
