Anthony grinned at Ms. Potts, finding himself slightly enthralled by her laugh. It was a dainty, elegant little sound that matched her perfectly proportioned, beautiful face. He tried not to think about it more than he ought. There was nothing good to come of entertaining whims. “Somehow, I doubt it,” he teased back, not quite fully able to believe her words. Trouble did not merely seek out a certain type of person without cause; fate was not wholly biased.

He was however proven dubious as she walked into a branch and yelped as if a banshee had come zooming out. Anthony raised a hand to catch her stumble and laughed. “That doesn’t count,” he assured her gently. “You just weren’t paying enough attention.” She was warm under his fingertips and he pulled back quickly. He wasn’t sure he believed she was bad at playing the hero either. She just seemed too gentle not to try.

Turning towards to the path that had come onto a fork and clearing his throat, Anthony laced his hands behind his back. “Well, this is where I have to turn off unfortunately. I only meant to cut through Padmore on my way into town for business.” And no better timing either. He flashed her another grateful grin and gave a small bow. “I am indebted to you Ms. Potts, thank you. Perhaps we shall meet again?” He certainly hoped so, even if it seemed unwise to feel that way.

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