That kiss he gave her... it nearly took her breath away. It was so simple and sweet and unexpected, like so many things she'd discovered about him. And that was exactly what she needed in her life. She didn't have the energy to look after a complicated mess of a man, because she was her own complicated mess. Steve might have his own issues he was dealing with, but they were ones she could handle, and she just hoped that he would be able to do the same with hers.

She took the last piece from him, certain they'd end up dropping it and making a mess before she got it to her mouth otherwise, and she finished it slowly and carefully in a few bites. The flavor was still completely delicious, but each second that passed made it more difficult to chew and swallow. It was the physical act of eating that she found difficult, which was at odds with her love of complex flavors.

The side of her thumb had a streak of frosting across it, but she didn't move to wipe it away yet, instead choosing to ask, "How long do you think you'll be out running?"