“You’re welcome, sir.” The door closed behind her with a discreet click.

“Looks like we’re in luck.” Bennett lifted the pot and poured. “These little pastries are from the restaurant downstairs. They’re wonderful. Cream?”

“Yes, thank you. No sugar.” How polite we are, she thought, as the tension began to spread from her neck to her shoulders. Like two strangers on a blind date.

“Will you come sit over here if I promise to behave?”

Though he said it lightly, Hannah heard the strain. She lowered her gaze to her hands. He couldn’t know it was shame and not shyness. “Of course.” Rising, she moved over and joined him on the lounge. She lifted her coffee while he left his alone.

“Hannah, I apologize for my behavior the other night. It’s no wonder you were offended.”

“Oh, please, don’t.” With a distress even her training couldn’t smother, she set her cup down and started to rise. His hand reached for hers and held her still. “I don’t want an apology.” Fighting for control, she forced herself to look at him. “I wasn’t offended, really. I was just—”

“Frightened then? That’s just as inexcusable.”

“No—yes.” Which answer was the right one? In the end, she gave up. “Bennett, the truest thing I can say to you is that no one has ever confused me so well.”

“Thank you.”

“That wasn’t a compliment, but a complaint.”

“Hannah, thank God you’re back.” Laughing, he pulled both her hands to his lips. When she stiffened, he released them but continued to smile.

“Friends?”

Still wary, she nodded. “I’d like to be.”

“Then friends it is.” Satisfied the first hurdle was successfully negotiated, Bennett sat back. He would wait and be a great deal more cautious before attempting the second. “What did you like best about the museum?”

She didn’t trust him. No, Hannah was far too good at game playing not to know when one was afoot. “The airy, unrestricted atmosphere, I think. Too often museums are solemn, serious places. Oh, I did see another of your ancestor’s paintings. The one of the sea. It was stunning.”

“One of my favorites.” He was careful not to touch her again. “I was tempted to keep it locked in my room, all to myself, but . . .” With a shrug he picked up his cup. “It didn’t seem fair.”

“And you are fair,” she murmured, knowing she’d used him.

“I try to be,” he returned, knowing he would use fair means or foul to win her. “Hannah, you ride, don’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Ride with me tomorrow morning. It has to be early as the rest of my day is full, but it’s been a long time since I had any company on a ride.”

“I’m not sure I can. Eve—”

“Will be busy with Marissa until ten,” Bennett finished.