The same as me

Alexander kissed the top of her head, his lips lingering there for a moment as he tried to comfort her. "That means I need to work harder for you to be at ease just around me," he said, his voice gentle but determined. 

He knew that she was uptight around him, and he was determined to break through her walls and get her to feel comfortable and open around him. He smiled down at her, his fingers still playing with her hair, trying to soothe her frazzled nerves.

Amber was surprised by Alexander's words. Was he implying that he had feelings for her? The thought sent a thrill through her body, but she tried to keep her emotions in check. 

She tried to sound casual as she said, "Around you?" She looked up at him, studying his face, searching for any hint of what he was thinking or feeling. But his expression was unreadable, his eyes guarded. She tried to keep her own emotions hidden, not wanting to show him how his words had affected her.