He was being ridiculous, and the guilt gripped at him, keeping him frozen in place for a moment. He hadn't been fair to her in their last exchange, his inability to explain himself and his issues to her heartfelt confession had left everything in shambles. Frankly he was an idiot and he knew it, and his pride was getting in the way.

Perhaps though, perhaps they could be civil and see where that went. Pulling himself from the shock, he smiled softly at her and moved toward her in the crowded room. She could want nothing to do with him anymore and that was a logical consequence he would have to face, but he had thought about her quite a bit over their time apart and he'd be lying if he said that he didn't regret what he'd done.

"Miss Carmichael," He started, trying to gauge her reaction to his approach. "It's nice to see you again."