Ophelia felt herself stiffen from the bottom of her being, but relaxed when Nikolai started laughing. She was aware of how hot her face was getting and that Nikolai was laughing as a result.
"You..." In an attempt to conceal her face from him, she turned her face away. "You asked why I force my smiles."
With a persistent smile on his face, Nikolai cocked his head to fully see her fiery face. "Yes, I did. And I am aware of the cause."
"Do you realize that I do not force my smiles with you?" Smiling, Ophelia asked.
"I do." Nikolai lulled.
Ophelia smiled and turned back to face him. "You are really observant."
"You are simply too fascinating to be unobservant, Storm," Nikolai mumbled as he stood up and extended his hands to lift her up.