For a bright, wonderful moment, Vanessa imagined herself answering him with a kiss. She allowed herself to remember the way he had reacted as she touched his wings. She pictured herself making love to him, not like the first time they had met. Something deeper, and brighter.

But she could not trust herself, and it was only a flight of fancy.

She smiled at Coby, and stroked his hand with her thumb. "Thank you, Coby."