When she took his hand and excused herself from her group, he relaxed. She wasn't pushing him away. Perhaps Damon and Elena had been right - this was the perfect day to make another go of it.
He led her to the small dance area and draped his hands onto her hips so they could sway to the slow song playing. "You look lovely, Caroline," he purred, though his eyes were intense and sincere. He wasn't playing cat and mouse; he wanted her to see him for who he was.