Sienna returned her attention to the cutting board, slicing carrots before calmly asking him—
"Zach," she said casually, though a hint of amusement slipped into her voice, "why are you looking at me like I've just committed a crime?"
There was a brief pause.
Then he cleared his throat, as if preparing himself. "Sienna," he began, "can you dine with us?"
Her hand stopped mid-air. The knife hung just over the carrot, leaving her utterly stunned.
For a second, she didn't move.
Then she slowly lifted her head and turned to look at him properly. Just gazing into his gentle eyes makes her feel nervous in a way she can't put into words.
Before she can think too much, the words slip from her lips: "Zack, I can't—"
"You had no idea how much I'd appreciate it if you could dine with us," he interrupted gently, but firmly.
Once again, his words caught her off guard. She could tell from his tone that he wasn't demanding, but he wasn't joking either.
