[ By the time his hands have settled on her knee, Bela has placed her own against the bed, needing to set them somewhere. Her body language and expression are still open, inwardly preparing herself for what he was about to say. When those words are spoken to her, Bela doesn't immediately reply because of the weight they carry. She's already told James about her lack of romantic entanglements - serious ones, that is. ]

I'm glad that you decided not to hide it. Like I said last month, I've enjoyed every second we've spent together, and I - [ Bela pauses then, taking a moment. ] - I feel something for you too, James. Which is completely new for me and honestly, a little scary because I don't want to screw things up.