The pause he took made it seem as though he was thinking, and for her that was somewhat of a bad sign. It meant the answer wasn’t cut and dry, and she believed that if he actually did have feelings for her, his response would require no thought at all. What she did get was confirmation, that she was more than a maid to tend to his home or a toy to use for his pleasure and entertainment. It was enough to lay her fears to rest, knowing that another woman wouldn’t replace her because she wasn’t enough or he was bored with her. “I know. I just . . . I don’t know.” She wanted to explain herself and tell him why she was asking, but seeing that he was under a bit of pressure without her prying into the depths of his emotions for her, she was going to drop it. Ava sat on the floor and opened a drawer, putting her clothes away after she laid a set of clothes out to wear for the address. As she was quietly tucking away her things, Nick spoke again. What followed his initial words was not what she expecting.<br/><br/>Her expression softened, “I feel the same way.” She rested her hands in her lap. “Maybe it’s the mission that’s got me a little sentimental, but I want you to know that I care about you . . . probably a lot more than I should.” With that said, she went back to the task of unpacking. “Also, if you haven’t noticed—and I’ve learned about this terrible little flaw of mine—I’m a very jealous girl. I don’t think I’d like sharing.” She smirked as she pushed herself up to her feet, giving him a quick peck on the cheek before disappearing into the bathroom to do her hair.