~ NYSSA
"You're back!"
I'd barely made it through the front doors of the palace when I was nearly knocked off my feet by Aria.
I didn't peg her as much of a hugger but to my surprise, she threw her arms around me, pulling me in tightly for a warm hug.
I stood there in shock, not knowing how to react. I couldn't remember the last time I was hugged just because. It was a… weird feeling, but it was also good. She smelled like cinnamon and mint… a weird combination, but it worked for her.
I wrapped my arms around her as well, letting myself linger for a moment in her hold.
"I wish I could have stayed but..." she pulled back, sniffing the air around me. "Judging by how you smell, I'm kind of glad I didn't. I would have been interrupting."
My cheeks warmed at the wink she sent me.
After my conversation with Rowan about giving me time, I'd taken a shower and scrubbed every inch of my skin hoping to get his scent off.
