This time he did more than just glance, he looked at Alison and kept his gaze on her. His cheeks were slowly getting cooler, too. "I'm going to be here with you. Always."

In a figurative sense. Someday he would unclench his butt cheeks. Not now, though.

Now, he kissed Alison softly. And lingered there until he could pull back with a small smile.

"I think the burp cleared up a lot of room. Wanna go with me downstairs? We could raid the kitchen and then watch that French movie with the guy with the long nose." He reached up and traced a finger lightly along her jaw. "We could see where the night takes us from there."