A walk in moonlight

'So. . .did you have a good time, Alfie?' Sam said.

'Spectacular,' I said, rubbing my cheeks with cold fingers. The cool night spread out around us. . . stars twinkled down. . .the entire galaxy was dripping with light. For a moment I almost let myself think, 'it really could have been.'

'Are you. . .feeling. . .all right,' Sam said. . .and, as if I had spoken the sentiment out loud, shot me a conspicuously knowing glance.

Glib young men, though, are utterly impervious to such looks. 'Wipe that conspicuously knowing glance,' said I, 'off that visage.'

'Say "face," Alfie,' Samantha said. 'And, darling. . .can you tell why mine's so flushed?'

'I honestly have no guess.'

'Let me help.'

Sam grabbed my hand, kissed it twice or thrice, and drew it to her chest. Despite myself, I felt a twinge in my stomach. In the moonlight she looked almost beautiful.

'Sam, I. . .'