Silas looked at Avery like a lost puppy, his eyes wide with exaggerated hurt. "You don't want me here?" he asked softly, like her words had just wounded his soul.
Avery gave him a deadpan look—the classic Are you kidding me right now? expression. Her arms crossed, her brows slightly raised.
"Why are you acting like I'm forcing you to leave?" she replied flatly. "We both know you're not exactly dying to stay here either."
Silas tilted his head, studying her face. His tone softened, the teasing slipping away as something real flickered in his eyes. "And how do you know I don't want to stay?"
Avery opened her mouth to respond—but before she could say anything, a warm voice interrupted them.
"Hey you guys, let's head for dinner," Declan said cheerfully, walking in with a light smile. He patted Silas's back in passing, completely unaware of the tension he'd just diffused.
