““I don’t think any less of you for asking me to come here.” He exuded a tenderness that made his words unquestionably sincere. I gave him an awkward smile, intended to be an unspoken thanks for pacifying my ego. He really could be chivalrous, when he put forth the effort. But then, he dropped his hand and stepped back against the dresser again, adding playfully, “It’s really not your fault. You can’t help yourself when it comes to me.””