We stood there for a moment longer, the garden quiet around us, lantern light catching in the leaves.
I broke the silence first.
"What are you doing here?" I asked.
Elias turned his head toward me. "Looking for you."
That made me blink. "Why?"
He studied me with that sharp, infuriating perception of his. "You looked down."
I let out a small breath and smiled despite myself. "I thought my face was frozen. I did not think it showed any reaction at all."
His lips curved upward. "That is true for someone who has not seen your other reactions."
I frowned faintly. "Other reactions?"
"Yes," he said easily. "The ones you make when you are annoyed. Or thoughtful. Or quietly amused."
Then he added, almost casually, "And the way a blush paints your face."
Heat rushed to my cheeks immediately. "Elias, you should stop teasing me."
He did.
Instantly.
