Chapter 45

Clara lowered her gaze, hiding the emotions in her eyes. She shook her head slightly and said nothing. Alexander watched her for a moment, but her silence didn't bother him enough to press further. Instead, he turned his attention back to the food in front of him and emptied the plate. When he finally set the empty bowl down, he looked up at her again. For once, he seemed a little sheepish. "I want to ask you for a favor." "What is it?" Clara asked. "I will be staying here for a while, but I don't know how to cook. There's nowhere around here to grab food unless I go into town, and that's too much of a hassle. Could you make a little extra when you cook? I'll pay you for it—just name your price." Clara blinked in surprise, then shook her head. "Is that a no?" Alexander frowned slightly, clearly misunderstanding her reaction. "It's not that," she explained. "I start teaching on Monday, so I might not always have the time. But whenever I'm home, you're welcome to come