I took the first step, which was always the hardest, and led with my walking stick, tapping it back and forth across the snow-covered ground. Archer's heat faded behind me the farther I drew away from him, his gaze a comforting pressure on my back as if he were helping to push me forward against the frigid wind.

I wanted him. The realization popped into my head so clear and complete and bright that it dashed another impossible smile across my face. I wanted him so much it hurt, ...