Unfortunately for Beauty, he pulled back.

His hand dropped to his side, and he took a step away without saying a word.

Beauty sat there, still frozen, her heart hammering in her chest. She could still feel the ghost of his touch on her skin.

She tried to calm herself, but her body betrayed her. Her cheeks were flushed, and her breath was unsteady.

Disappointed that there was no kiss, she ate her food in silence, her mind racing with a thousand questions.

Could ...