Adam's arms tightened around her for a long moment, holding her so close she could barely breathe, as though he never wanted to let go. Then, with a sudden burst of energy, he lifted her clean off her feet and spun her around.
Melanie gasped in surprise, her hands clutching at his shoulders, and for the first time that night, her laughter broke free. The tension, the fear, the confusion of the last few minutes melted away in the warmth of his embrace. She clung to him as he twirled her, her hair flying loose around her face, until he finally set her gently back down on the floor.
"Melon!," he said quickly, searching her face, his brows drawing together in concern. "I didn't hurt you, did I? Just now, when I held you—was I too rough?"
She shook her head at once, smiling through her tears. "No. Not at all. You didn't hurt me."
