she put an arm around him and used her other hand to take his hands away from his face . the only thing that did n't melt was her heart . my whole body was alive with sensation , every inch of my skin tingling . come forth , your sword awaits you ! yes , i was trying to figure out what it was . i missed that year , he repeated , near-whispering in pathetic self-justification . james had n't been the greatest boss in the world , but he did n't seem allergic to talking . 