She does care about what other people think. She doesn't know why either, most of the time. It's so deeply a part of her breeding that it's hard to shake, save for when folk have her mad enough not to care. But that's not her only reason for hesitating.

She never planned on being with more than one man in her life. As far as she's concerned, Doc was it for her. She crossed a line last night she's still not sure how she should feel about, and if they go to bed together then... that's it. There's no more excuses, and no turning back.

She catches his eye, searching him out slowly and carefully. The bundle of nerves in her belly are enough to remind her of how much she does want him, and just looking at him — hearing him reassure her — is enough to remind her that she does care about him. She didn't lead him on all this time; she's not a tease. Not with the people who matter.

She swallows a deep breath (and another gulp of whiskey), and reclaims her resolve. She doesn't need to say much; if he's paying attention to the look in her eye and the tiny nod of her head, he'll know her answer.

"Play a few more rounds," she murmurs, laying down enough of her winnings to cover their drinks. "An' then meet me back the way we came."