Perhaps their reactions were too obvious, because the girl’s small smile vanished almost immediately. Aimee’s shoulders curled inward, and her gaze dropped to the floor, as though embarrassed by what she’d just done.

Both adults came back to themselves at once.

Riven was the first to move. He dropped to one knee in front of her, his expression unusually flustered, his voice low and steady. “Don’t be shy,” he murmured, reaching out carefully. “Your laugh was beautiful. I like ...