Then—
Adam released his grip as if burned, hands flying to her shoulders to gently but firmly set her upright beside him on the bed. He sat up in one fluid motion, putting a careful foot of space between them. The movement was controlled, but the racing pulse at his throat betrayed him.
Elise scrambled back just as quickly, smoothing her rumpled dress with trembling fingers, unable to meet his eyes.
"Sorry," they both said at the same time, their voices overlapping in the quiet room.
Another beat of awkward silence.
Adam cleared his throat, running a hand through his violet hair. "The floorboards are uneven. Should've warned you."
Elise nodded, staring fixedly at a knot in the wood floor. "I should have been more careful. My balance isn't… what it used to be."
The excuse hung in the air, thin and unconvincing. They both knew it wasn't about balance.
