He involuntarily held his breath the moment he saw Claire starting to lean towards him, and by the time she pulled away his face was just about the same color as his hair.

"Thank you for your participation," said the computerized voice, and there was another faint hum as the barrier presumably disappeared.

This left Steve there, red as a fire truck, quickly bringing a hand up to his cheek. "Um. Thanks..." For what? God, you're an idiot!