Bitterroot Valley room to make a big mistake

Angel was reproachful when her trick was turned around on her. Even though she'd started it, she hadn't meant for him to turn around and accuse her of missing him. But she had, if she was being honest with herself. If she was being really honest with herself, she might even call it pining.

"Not that much!" she repeated, peering at his face to see if he meant it or not. She thought maybe he was teasing — but maybe he also meant to let her down easy. Maybe he was playing with her feelings.

It was hard to think when they stood this close together.

She did not follow him.

"I must go and fetch my cousin," she disagreed, falling into the Morningside tradition of naming any vague relation her "cousin". "Perhaps you willl learn to miss me in the hours that I'm away."

She returned his jest, her smile daring. But she did not turn away from him yet. If he truly wanted her to follow, she would not deny him.