Alaric freezes like prey caught in the line of sight of its predator. He doesn't know how long he stays frozen like that. For a moment, he thinks that he might be paralyzed from pure shock. He thought Lenore was asleep. He'd been certain she was asleep before he said anything. If he hadn't been certain...
He would've kept his mouth shut.
However, it seems like he was wrong. Not only is Lenore not asleep, she's entirely awake and aware enough to have felt him wrap his arm around her waist and whisper that he loves her because he just couldn't keep it quiet in his thoughts, could he?
Now, Alaric can't figure out if he should remove his arm and give Lenore space or just stay still. She was the one who moved closer to him, fitting her body against his as if it's always belonged there. She said she loved him too, but what if he misheard? What if she's not actually awake and responded in her sleep?
