"Wonderful," Cora offered the Bear another genuine smile before bumping off the door jamb, thoughtlessly smoothing her apron with the flat of both hands. "The best way to reach me is here, between ten and four, every day."
For the second time, and just as natural a movement as the first had been, Cora's hand moved to Nikolai's arm, just above the elbow. The touch was friendly and welcoming--an archaic form of communication, perhaps, but just as clear in meaning as any threatening or defensive posture. They had met eyes as cautious strangers, now they would part as hopeful friends.