Laughter was the farthest thing from Christine's mind. She stared at Ayel with wide eyes, lips parted slightly. She felt suddenly intensely aware of every inch of her body, and of his underneath her, his thigh between hers, their stomachs pressing briefly together with each breath.

"You, too," she managed, finally. And paused again. Suddenly the long sleeves and thick fabric of her dress felt itchy and uncomfortable.

"It's, um." She swallowed. "It's a little warm in here, don't you think?"