Receptivity

She noticed that he was shivering as the group paused while moving heavy gear in the rain, preparing to set up the concert’s expansive lighting.

She didn’t know why she felt drawn to help him, but she had an extra large jacket with her and walked over to him while offering it as the crew continued on without him.

He gratefully accepted the offer and began peeling off his sopping-wet second layer.

His sleeves where clinging, so she helped tug them off from his under shirt and held up the thicker, more rain-resistant cloth for him to easily shrug into.

His back to her as she let the second sleeve go once his arm slid through, he leaned his arms forward to rest against one of the large containers as he caught his breath from all of the hard labor.

She smoothed the coat down over his back with her hands and then, because he was still shivering, leaned in and hugged him from behind, wrapping her arms around his waist and chest to further lend him her warmth.

What made this somehow ok for her to do?

Was it the pouring rain tugging at her compassion?

Finding that her right hand wrested over his heart, she could feel its heavier beat calming and his breathing beginning to self regulate.

Then, everything shifted.

She could feel his presence enveloping and welcoming her, confidently and curious.

Emotional intelligence and experienced maturity compatible to hers activated her instincts as he absorbed her attention.

When she tried to read his emotions, he shifted slightly and relaxed into her embrace, letting her stay momentarily in the lead.

So this is what is felt like to find a man who might match her?

She was startled and intrigued.