Chapter 48

That was something, at least. “Care, are you crying?” he prompted disbelievingly as he saw what he thought were tears glistening on her lashes.

Of course she wasn’t crying—well, not yet she wasn’t, Caroline realized as she hastily blinked back the tears she hadn’t even known were there until Nicholas had pointed them out to her—tears of relief that he wanted to try to find a way to end this awkwardness between them as much as she did.

“Don’t be silly.” She dismissed it. “I’ve been peeling onions,” she excused with more brightness than accuracy; she had peeled the onions some time ago, a fact that Nicholas would realize himself if she gave him too long to think about it. “I hope you’re hungry, because I’ve prepared a three-course meal for us.”

“Starving!” Nicholas answered lightly as he took his cue from her. “Shall I open a bottle of red or white wine to go with it?”

“I don’t drink alcohol,” she said, “But I’d really like some tonight,”

Nicholas stared