"All the signs point to it, Jack. You even got a splinter out of my hand." She stepped away, crossing her arms. "If you won't forgive me then I'll just die right here."
"Well, then," he said, giving her sly grin. "I'm not one to deny pleasures to people." He took a deep breath and spoke in a rush. "You're pretty, you're pretty, you're pretty, you're pretty, you're pretty, you're pretty, you're pretty, you're pretty, you're pretty. You're beautiful. You're marvelous. Pretty is not a big enough word for you. You're breathtaking." He caught his breath and grinned at her. "How was that?"
She blushed, but covered it with her hands and forced it away. Ignoring her pounding heart, she approached and kissed his cheek. "Thank you for the lovely compliments, Jack. I appreciate it." Her voice sounded strained, as she struggled to contain get excitement and embarrassment.
His blush spread from the place where she kissed him, and he laughed, putting his arm over her shoulder. "Oh, Avice," he said cheerfully. "You know I'm fond of you, yes? They shouldn't be that big of a surprise."
"I know, I know." She sighed. "But when you say it, it's weird. Not bad weird, just unusual. I like hearing it from you."
"I don't get what your point is, Jack." She crossed her arms, her eyebrows furrowing. "We weren't supposed to talk about feelings."
