The words lingered in the air between them.
"Why not stay for the night?"
Nina didn't answer immediately. She stood there, caught in the moment, studying Bianca's face with careful attention. Was this merely polite hospitality, or did it mean something deeper? The weight of the question suggested the latter.
This didn't feel casual at all.
Drawing in a small breath, Nina shifted her weight. Ethan remained pressed against her leg, his small fingers curled into the fabric of her clothes with a grip that suggested he had no intention of releasing her anytime soon. The warmth of his trust made her chest tighten.
"I—" She faltered, then forced what she hoped looked like a polite smile. "I actually have script practice, ma'am."
Bianca's expression remained unchanged. Not a flicker of disappointment crossed her features. Instead, she moved closer, closing the distance between them with quiet confidence.
Without warning, she reached out and took Nina's hand.
