It took a second for Malachi’s words to sink in. Ester’s gaze was drawn to his hands clasped around hers. “Sorry.” She tugged her hands from his grip.
“What are you sorry for?”
She took a step back from him, moving further into the room. “I shouldn’t have hassled you like that. It’s just…” She looked away from him, not wanting to finish the sentence. She’d spent more than enough of her life confronted by death.
“It’s okay.” He followed her into the room, glancing past her. “The book I was going to lend you is in the far cupboard at the end of the bench. It isn’t locked.”
“Oh.” She’d thought he’d come to check on her. She stepped to the side. “I didn’t manage to make it to the bathroom.” She gave a half smile. “I won’t be long.” She hurried along the hallway, feeling awkward and idiotic
