Redsand Canyon you were baptized in ice [m]

I like being here with you.

Did that mean what he wanted it to mean? Even though it also terrified him? Her voice had cracked as she spoke, and he wondered if that was because she was nervous. Maybe it was just dry from the emotional upset. 

Things weren't normally so difficult and confusing when it came to pretty girls. He had never had trouble being forward or affectionate because he knew it was all superficial. They would share time together and then go on their separate ways. But Aquene was different. There were deeper feelings there and he had no idea what to do about them. He thought he might want more from her, but he was so broken that he hated the idea of tying her to him in that way. She deserved so much better. 

But for a moment, he pushed that all away and allowed himself to indulge. He lifted his head and nuzzled into her scruff. It certainly was not a pushy move, especially with all she had just gone through. But is was different from the affection had shown her before now. The touch was slightly possessive and far more tender than he ever had been with her before.