“No, please. Let me go first.” Mia’s voice broke as she struggled to take the talking floor back.

Claus leaned back on the couch, one arm draped lazily over the armrest, his eyes shadowed but steady. With a small tilt of his head, he gave her permission. “If you insist.”

Her gaze fell to the floor, fingers tightening around themselves as if she could squeeze courage out of her own palms. “About yesterday… I’m sorry.”

The air between them grew heavier, thick with all the things ...