guarded — cautious and having possible reservations

a professional businesswoman sits at a conference table with her arms crossed and maintains careful eye contact with others. She leans back slightly in her chair while listening to a proposal from another colleague. The colleague across from her gestures enthusiastically while presenting ideas, but she responds with measured nods and reserved expressions. Her cautious body language contrasts sharply with the eager presenter's open gestures. Other meeting participants watch the interaction, sensing the careful tension in the room. someone being cautious and having possible reservations about what they're hearing