I froze, my eyes widening in shock.

The lingering sensation on my lips made my mind go blank.

My heart pounded wildly, my cheeks burning hot as the moment’s intensity crashed over me.

Ryan leaned in slightly, his deep voice laced with amusement as he murmured near my ear, "Gabby, why's your face so red?"

Too close.

My whole body tensed up in an instant. Flustered, I scrambled to respond, "It's—just a little ...