A twinge of guilt boiled in his belly. Aye, he had seen the woman across the room but hadn't been sure how to approach her for a second meeting. The men had been much easier when it came to striking up conversation.

"Honest to goodness," he insisted. "I didn't stay long."

Of course, there was a warmth to be found in the slight indication that missing him had bothered her. He selfishly held onto that. "Next time, eh?"