““So why exactly are you here? I told you, I’m flattered, but you still look as though you’re barely out of high school, and as handsome as you are, I simply don’t have time to add one more thing to my schedule.” “Ouch. Another compliment and slap in one sentence. You’re good at those. Are you sure you’re not a law student? You’d be good at cross-examining.” She closed her eyes and shook her head again. “I’m serious. You’re such a handsome man ... women must throw themselves at you.” He laughed. “No ... but again, thank you. I don’t want anything from you, Janelle. I swear. I just want to be your friend.” “Oh, so you’re a sucker for a damsel in distress, is that it? I assure you, my hands may be full, but I’m no damsel.” “Wow ... you’re tough.” He lifted his hands in surrender. “Okay ... no rescuing. No dating ...” he paused, “but who couldn’t use a friend? It’s actually better that you aren’t interested in me. We can really be friends, then.” She bit her lip, but a chuckle still escaped. “You’re incorrigible.” “Heard that one too. So, how about it? Can we be friends?””
