Summer smiled, eyes soft, and leaned over to lay her cheek against his arm. “I think I can take care of myself, but thank you anyway. I’m not sure how you would protect me from myself.”
He stilled but never flinched, smiling softly down at her. “I can try. Believe me when I say I’ve had a lot of practice, okay? Just don’t push me away yet.”
“I’m only doing it so I don’t do something stupid,” she protested quietly. “I get attached to people awfully quickly and I don’t want you to think I’m clingy or anything.” She looped a falling strand of hair back behind her ear with her free hand.