“Thank you.”

“Unity is very involved with the Silver Pines community,” Dagmar said.

Unity winced. Thaddeus had no idea why.

“A lot of the activities are open to the public,” she said. “I’ve taken a few classes. Until recently I was on the pickleball league.” She met his gaze. “Do you play?”

“Pickleball? It’s not my sport.” He and Freddy had a couple of pickup basketball games they liked to join. Pickleball? Was that like badminton with a tennis ball? Ah, no.

Unity reached for her glass. Her hand shook so much, she couldn’t pick it up. She quickly pulled back her arm and tucked it behind her.

Thaddeus had impressed his share of women but he’d never petrified one before. He stood and looked at his great-aunt.

“Could I speak to you for a moment, please?”

Dagmar put down her drink and allowed him to pull her to her feet.

“We’ll be right back,” he told Unity, then led Dagmar down the hall to her bedroom. When he’d shut the door behind them, he exhaled. “This has got to stop. The poor woman is actually trembling with fear.”

“I know. I’m sorry. I had no idea she would be so—” Dagmar waved her hand. “I can’t even describe it.”

“I’m going to go.” He shook his head before she could speak. “Whatever your plans were for this evening, they’re not going to happen. You have a nice dinner with Unity and I’ll see you later.”

“But I wanted to spend time with you.”

“I wanted the same, but it’s not as if you can ask her to leave. I’ll come back soon. I promise.” He kissed her cheek. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

They returned to the living room. Unity looked at him.

“Is everything all right?” she asked.

Thaddeus smiled at her. “It is, however I need to start my drive back to Seattle. It was very nice to meet you, Unity.”

She stood. “I hope I didn’t chase you off.”

“Of course not.”

Her mouth twisted. “It’s just I was surprised and I’m not very good at small talk and you’re a little imposing.”

Her honesty surprised him. “I’m far from imposing.”

“Have you seen yourself?” She flashed him a smile. “But it was nice to meet you. Next time I’ll do better. Oh, wait. I should go so you two can—”

Without thinking, he took her hand in his. As his fingers curled around hers, he felt an unexpected jolt of heat and interest. Because it made all the sense in the world that he would be attracted to a woman who literally quaked in fear around him.

“You stay. I insist,” he said, releasing her and stepping back.