My head jerked hard to the right, and the back of my shoulder hit the wooden frame of the pantry doorway.

The burning heat spread across my ear and jaw instantly, sharp and thick, like hot oil splashed from a frying pan.

I stood frozen against the doorframe, my thumbs automatically pressing into the front hem of my wool cardigan to keep my arms from shaking.

Mark exhaled slowly through his nose, his chest rising and falling once in a smooth, controlled motion.

He adjusted the gold wristwatch on his left wrist, checking the face for three seconds before dropping his arm back to his side.