Olivia rose from the couch at once, almost startled by the presence she had not sensed entering the room. Her body reacted before her mind could catch up. She straightened her hoodie, pushed her hair behind her ears and tried, without success, to smooth the warmth from her cheeks. She felt as if she had been caught doing something indulgent, something she had never allowed herself in her old life.
Simon watched her with that same cool stillness he always carried. There was no surprise in his expression, no amusement. Yet something faint flickered in his eyes, something she could not name. Perhaps it was unfamiliarity. Perhaps it was the sight of her curled on the sofa, soft as a girl, laughing at a bright and foolish show as though she had forgotten the weight of the world for a small mom
