Penny's cheeks flamed as brightly as the supposed fire. Mr. Prewett was touching her! Not even Nemo — who had confessed his love to her and hers to him — had touched her so inappropriately. (Well, a hug was likely inappropriate, but those were somewhat desperate moments after a near death experience.)

She didn't dare look towards the other partygoers, too afraid of the damage Mr. Prewett had just caused both their repuations. "Is the fire gone now?" Penny asked quietly, perfectly still for the first time since the ordeal began.