After the setter retreats, couple cuddle (7)
I believe the answer is:
embrace
'cuddle' is the definition.
(I know that cuddle is a kind of embrace)
'after the setter retreats couple' is the wordplay.
'after' says to put letters next to each other.
'the setter retreats' becomes 'em' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'couple' becomes 'brace' (brace can mean a pair of something).
'em' next to 'brace' is 'EMBRACE'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for embrace that I've seen before include "Include - clasp" , "Loving hug" , "Include (in one's arms)" , "Cuddle" , "Warmly welcome" .)