"Damn," Megan Hunt muttered to herself, gripping her right hand with her left, trying to rub the feeling back into her fingers. The parasthesia was acting up again, fortunately not when she was holding a scalpel.

Looking up from his meal, Peter Dunlop regarded her with his warm, concerned gaze. "That's the third time today," he offered gently. "Not that I'm counting."

Of course he was counting. Sometimes Megan Fox or coworker - her friend- was far too observant. Also far too willing to talk about feelings, which was not one of Megan's strong suits.

Most men would rather eat broken glass than talk things out, but somehow she wound up with one who was emotionally well-adjusted and willing to discuss said feelings… or try to help her work through her own minefield of emotions.

"I know," she replied, then sighed unhappily. "It's been a long week."

It really had been.

Peter nodded, then, placing his fork down, surprised her. He reached over and took her right hand in his, strong fingers massaging her much smaller hand, coaxing increased blood flow back into the digit's and, slowly, sensation returned.

She could feel the rough calluses caused by years of handling firearms in general hard work. Peter didn't have soft hands, like a doctor or lawyer. They were broad, competent, skin a but dry, but she found she enjoyed his touch…and to allow him to continue to rub her fingers after the feeling returned.

Finally, she gripped his hand and smiled. "Much better. Thank you."

"My pleasure," he replied, then, with an impish smile, pressed a kiss to her knuckles.

That surprised her, but she had to admit it was a nice surprise.

Smiling, she asked, "What was that for?"

"Why not?" he replied easily, releasing her hand and turning back to his meal.

So far, beer had been nothing but respectful of her somewhat awkward social skills and this was no exception. It had been nice, but no pressure.

As she picked up her fork, Megan wondered if she might reconsider her snaillike approach to this relationship.

His lips had felt really wonderfully soft.

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