Yikes. His eyes winced a little at her reaction, feeling a rush of alarm and embarrassment on his own behalf...and hers, as well. Did he insult her? He had no idea something like that would cause such a start.

He felt terrible, watching her close up and hide again – and just when it seemed they had some pretty common ground to build up on! Gosh...

The words on the screen only made him feel guiltier.

I'm sorry. :(