Soft moans, the delicate tremor that shivers through her ... Rory is acutely aware of Pippa's response, at least until her fingers slide into his collar to explore just below the nape of his neck. Her fingertips on that sensitive area start him thinking of more touch, skin against skin, and a thousand things that they just can't do here and now, even if he didn't have a show to do.

He reluctantly eases back, bit by bit, nuzzling and tasting her lips until he finally puts a breath of air between them. Smiling into those sparkling blue eyes, a soft, wondering laugh escapes him. He rests his forehead against her hair as he strokes her shoulder, her arm, only to blink at the feel of the bandages crossing the back of her hand.

Still holding her close, he glances down, realizing that there's a reason she's only holding him with one arm. "The burn ... it's still hurting, sweet?" He doesn't try to disguise his concern.