He wrapped his arms around her as she stepped close, assuming it was for a hug. It would make sense, of course, to hug it out after his apology. He had a second to process how warm the silk of her robe was before he registered what she was doing.
She was kissing him on the cheek.
He felt the breath rush from his lungs. Abbie's lips pressed against his cheek and he swallowed, looking down at her, his eyes wide. Had she - what did she mean by it? His hands had come to rest on her hip. Should he move back? She had given him a sign, had she not? Should he respond in kind to see if he had read the situation right.
He moved his hands away from her hips, hesitating a second with them mid-air before he forced himself to act, he could think later. He reached forward and cupped her cheeks lightly, then lowered his head to kiss her forehead.
He closed his eyes as his lips brushed against her skin, savouring the moment. But it seemed to dawn on him what he was doing and he stepped back. He smiled at her as he moved away.
"Goodnight, Lieutenant," he said quickly, feeling his cheeks flush. He bowed slightly, and dashed towards the door, closing it behind him and not slowing down until he was a corridor away.