Caden blinked, surprised by his own words.
But why did I say that...?
He mentally slapped his forehead. Good job, Caden. You know how to compliment a girl: between two barbs, a nervous grin and... there you go, you've made her uncomfortable. Champ.
He stared at the ceiling in the dark, cursing his inability to just... shut up.
"Caden?" Aletha's voice suddenly whispered.
He almost jumped.
"Hmm?" he said, trying not to sound too tense.
"Good night," she mumbled, almost as a peace offering.
He smiled in the dark.
"Good night, grumbler."
She didn't answer, but he swore he heard a stifled laugh. A smile lingered on her lips as sleep slowly claimed them both, their backs to each other, their zones well defined, but their thoughts anything but in order.