We chatted companionably all the while, lightly poking fun at each other's dedication to science.We chatted companionably all the while, lightly poking fun at each other's dedication to science. I had forgotten the cold and, as we talked, I also managed to forget some of the anxiety I was accustomed to feeling in Paul's presence. Instead...several times, as we reached for the same something-or-other, our hands brushed, not to mention bumping elbows in the cramped space, and the physical contact was having a profound effect on me. It soon became so distracting that I lay my pipet gently down and did something I thought I'd never have the guts to do: "Paul, can I tell you something rather personal?" He looked a trifle suspicious, but answered, "Sure, Holly, what's on your mind?" I clutched the frigid edge of the lab bench. |