I take a slow breath, feeling a little light-headed and confused after our impromptu “what if” role-play. I pause for a second before clapping my hands onto my knees. “I think it’s time to call it a night.” I get up from the chair, pushing off the blanket and leaving it on the ottoman. “If you’re compelled to perform any more jigs this evening, I’d appreciate it if you kept the volume down.”

“I can do that.”

I give him two thumbs up and walk towards my bedroom but stop midway, deciding to take off my sweater to leave in the living room for tomorrow. Facing away from him, I bend my arms behind my back and slip the sweater down. It’s nearly off when my left sleeve somehow gets caught on the claddagh ring I forgot I was wearing on my right hand. My arm is now pinned tightly behind my back like I’m in a straitjacket.

How befitting.

I push my shoulder blades back in hopes of freeing my ring but end up feeling a piercing pain in my left shoulder. I can’t help but let out a small yelp.

“What’s the matter?” Ryan asks, immediately getting up.

“It’s nothing. I’m fine.” I desperately try to wiggle out of the sweater. I push my shoulder back again and suck in a loud breath from the sting.

Ryan is now standing behind me with his hands on my shoulders. “You’re not fine,” he says in a somewhat stern voice, gently tugging at my sweater. “What happened to your arm?”

I feel him slip his hand into my sleeve and over my wrist, twisting the ring around on my finger.

“It’s just sore. I banged my shoulder a bit when I took Duke for his walk today.”

I’m quickly freed as Ryan pulls the ring off my finger and the sweater down my arms, placing them both onto the coffee table. I turn around to face him and am surprised when he doesn’t move away.

“Banged it on what?” he asks.

“It’s actually a funny story.” I try to get comfortable with Ryan’s close proximity but it’s easier said than done. “Duke and I were leaving my friend’s apartment this afternoon when he got excited and kind of ran down the stairs full force.”

Ryan’s eyes remain locked on mine. “And he pulled your shoulder out?”

“No. I didn’t fall or anything, but he dragged me along for a few seconds and I wound up crashing into a door.”

My explanation earns me a pitying look. “I’m sorry, Sullivan. I should have told you Duke can get overexcited on his walks.”

“It’s fine. I probably won’t even feel it tomorrow.” I’m gearing up for my next retreat when Ryan turns me back around and pulls me towards him. “What are you doing?” I immediately ask.