A warm, steady hand caught me just in time.

I was too scared to open my eyes at first, but I did once I felt safe.

Charlie's beautiful eyes behind his gold-rimmed glasses were filled with concern. His umbrella was lying on the ground where he'd dropped it in his rush.

After regaining my balance, I asked, "Charlie, why are you here?"

I quickly stepped back from his embrace, feeling awkward.

Charlie explained calmly, "Alice asked ...