I'm grinning, and as he starts coughing, I put an arm out and offer support, reaching with my other hand for a small something off the counter, which I pop into my mouth and hold in one cheek. He's bending forward, the pepper really starting to take strong effect, and yet he's laughing, or trying to, through the burn.

I grab him by the shoulder, pulling up; when his head comes up, I meet his mouth with my own, pushing the ice cube from my mouth to his through the clumsy kiss.