People in this world treated physical affection as completely natural.
Hugging, patting backs, or stroking heads—it happened all the time.

For me, it was a little embarrassing, but I couldn’t keep feeling that way forever.
It felt strange to be the only one blushing when everyone else acted like it was normal.

Maybe I needed to change my mindset about physical affection.
It did bring a sense of emotional comfort, after all.
As I wrestled with these thoughts, I squirmed in Midsummer’s arms.
Her hold was so tight I couldn’t escape, and I was starting …