He dragged his hand down off her leg with something like regret--though temporary--before reaching back with both hands for the tricky catch at the back of the neck. He moved with the easy familiarity of someone who had taken it off thousands of times, skimming one hand between the suit and the opposite shoulder, rolling that arm forward to peel it off, keeping his eyes on her, as though afraid she would evaporate or shimmer out of existence.

He had nearly stripped the second sleeve when she tossed her blouse aside. He paused and then yanked the sleeve off his wrist, freeing his hands. Gadriel's eyes dropped to the paler skin under the blouse, then back up at her face, a sort of unknowing longing in his eyes. He reached his hands to cup her face up to his, leaning closer to kiss her, gently at first, as though seeking permission.