I reached for the chopsticks, but they slithered through my grip like rebellious eels. My cheeks burned as I fumbled.
Ace's chuckle rumbled beside me. In one fluid motion, he speared a slice of bear paw with his own chopsticks and blew on it, steam curling from the meat. "Here," he teased, holding it toward my lips. "Say 'ah.'"
The intimacy of the gesture sent a jolt through me. I obeyed, and the moment the meat touched my tongue, I nearly moaned. It melted like butter, the broth's depth exploding across my senses. "It's incredible!" I clutched my face, as if that could contain the delight.
"You're a quick study," Ace praised when he guided my hands into the proper chopstick hold. His fingers lingered just a heartbeat too long, sparking a traitorous flutter in my chest.
Ray groaned, throwing his hands up. "Ann, shield me. The newlyweds are already insufferable."
"We're just friends!" I protested, though my traitorous voice squeaked.
