Bianca picked up the book and held it to her chest. She shook her head hurriedly. "No no, you weren't snooping. I mean...it was there in plain sight. I should't-" She dared a glance up and his and managed to flush deeper. She looked down at Delphi who was chittering in amused excitement. "It's all right. It's just...a but embarrassing," she admitted setting the book back up on her shelf.
She was saved by the sound of the water coming to a boil and she cleared her throat before hurrying out. She came back shortly with tea, his with cream and no sugar, and hers with both. She set down the tray carrying everything on a little ottoman next to the jammy dodgers. "So," she said, trying for some bravado, "Now you know my little secret. I read romance novels. It's...probably not as big a deal as I'm making it, right?" She sounded only half-convinced.