If his cheeks had the ability to burn even hotter than they already had, they were most definitely doing that. Cullen coughed and muttered a thank you while he turned away, his attention on the table as if he could hide his blush if he just didn't look at her.

"Is it... too much?" It was too much. But... "You are worth the effort, Lioriley."

There. He said something without stumbling over his words.

He sat down across from her, pouring her a glass of wine as he made an intense effort to keep his trembling hand steady.