He hadn't realised until now that he could feel his heartbeat thudding so hard in his throat, until she had given him the option of backing out. There's a vaguely surprised, perplexed look about him as he looks up at her, returning her gaze once more, searching it for what possible clue he might find to how she feels.
He had offered obliquely, yes, without directly meaning to. She has given him a way to back out without him losing his honour, without forcing him into a corner; though at what cost to her heart? Can she forgive him for that?