The Mistletoe Kiss

“Thank you for my scarf,” Emmy said to the professor. “I’ve never had anything cashmere before.”

Ruerd didn’t say anything, but wrapped his great arms around her and kissed her.

She was so taken by surprise that she didn’t do anything for a moment. She had no breath anyway. The kiss hadn’t been a social peck; it had lingered far too long. And besides, she had the odd feeling that something was alight inside her, giving her the pleasant feeling that she could float in the air if she wished. If that was what a kiss did to one, she thought hazily, then one must avoid being kissed again.

She disentangled herself. “You shouldn’t…” she began. “What I mean is, you mustn’t kiss me. Anneliese wouldn’t like it….”

He was staring down at her, an odd look on his face. “But you did, Emmy?”