She thought the same thing, once. It's a time better left in the past. They've both come so far to find each other. Physically, emotionally, ecumenically, allegorically (but that's for each man to decide for himself). Love is lovely, but a buddy system is probably more practical for them. They both need the help.

Ver giggles, both at the exaggeration and the fact he's overdoing it. She always intended to warm him up again with a cuddle. There's no concern that she's going to fall; he would never allow that. "I don't mind going in with you," she points out while she runs her ocean-chilled hand down his chest. "I know how to swim."

And then there he goes again, moving her around like she's a doll he can pose. It takes her a little longer to figure out what he's doing this time, but eventually it clicks and she take hold of his arms so she can lean on them while she centers her weight on his shoulders and hooks her legs in place. "Hmm, should I offer you the carrot or the stick?"