Suddenly, she moved, wrapping her arms tightly around him, her body acting on impulse before her mind could catch up.
For a moment, Lyle froze, as if surprised by her sudden gesture. But then, instinctively, his arms circled her waist, pulling her closer. His movements were slow, deliberate, as though he were afraid she might pull away. He buried his face in the crook of her neck, inhaling deeply. Her scent washed over him, warm and faintly sweet, and something inside him shifted. A calmness he hadn't felt in years seeped into his very core, soothing the restless chaos that usually roared within him.
It was as if she were a missing piece he hadn't known he was searching for—something that tethered him, made him feel whole, grounded, and human in a way he had long forgotten. He tightened his hold, his fingers pressing gently into her sides, a silent plea to keep her there just a little longer.