She shifted nervously. Had she worn something wrong? Was she over dressed? It was the night they dressed for dinner. He had dressed as well so it couldn’t be that. So why-
“You look really nice this evening.”
Her breath caught in her throat. “Thank you.”
His gaze lingered, holding hers.
Veronica’s felt a flush creeping up her neck. Without even thinking about it, she found herself taking a step closer to him. Then another.
He took one too, then they were close enough that Veronica could feel the heat radiating from his chest.
Part of her wanted to lean in again.
Her eyes flickered to his lips then back up to his.
His black eyes burned into her with an intensity that sucked the very air from her lungs.
“You- you look rather nice this evening too,” she said, voice barley even a whisper.
But they were so close it would be impossible not to hear her. They were so close, Veronica wouldn’t have been surprised if he could feel her breath on his neck.
The door swqung open, a servant stepping in.
“Dinner is served.”
Veronica stepped back, heart pounding in her chest, a hot flush burning her face.
“Thank you,” Christopher said, voice far too even in Veronica’s opinion. Was his heart not racing, too?
The pair took their seats and started eating their meal. It was quiet in a way it hadn’t been in some time.
A nervous energy settled in Veronica’s chest. She could hardly bring herself to speak or eat, all too aware of where she was gfoing to end that night.
“Are you all right? Christopher asked, startling her from her thoughts. “You’ve hardly siad a word and you’re barley picking at your food.”
She shook her head. “Its nothing. I’m fine.”
He lowered his voice. “Is this about sharing a room tonight, because we don’t have to if you don’t want to.”
Veronica flushed. “It is, but it isn’t that I don’t want to. I’m just not sure what it will mean.”
“It doesn’t need to mean anything if you don’t want it to. I’m more than all right with taking things as slow as you want.”
Veronica smiled, relife creeping in. “i know, but thank you for saying it again.”
The pair returned to their meal, but Veronica couldn’t taste it. Silence had grown familiar to her, but this silence was different. Charged. Unresolved.
She choked down lamb and peas—or perhaps squab and carrots; everything felt tasteless and unimportant. When theyb were finished, they both got to their feet.
“Did you want to head into the parlor for a bit?” Christopher asked her.
She shook her head. “Ii’m rather tired tonight. I think I shall retire.”
“Of course. I will be heading up shortly myself.”
She nodded. “Very well. I will see you in a moment.”Inourroom,she thought ot herself.
He nodded.
