There's a certain warmth to him that I can't quite explain, a warmth that spreads up into my chest, into my neck, then the tips of my ears as I glance to my side. He's a steady presence, arm pressed agaisnt mine. He doesn't reach out, doesn't move, doesn't even offer a word in the silence. I let my eyes fall back to my hands, flexing my fingers.

I pause, hand splayed open in the cold winter air. ...