Hm. [To say he sounded pleased would be an understatement. For better or worse, her confidence was important to him. Even if they parted, if she could hold onto that feeling then he might have found himself a better influence than he'd ever been elsewhere. Still, it would be calling for defeat to think too far in that direction, so he cut the thought short and followed her track to the letter.]

Now, I can't have you trying too hard to please me so soon.

[Though he wouldn't point out where he thought her limits were when it came to intimacy, he'd certainly put the slightest buffer to it when they were strolling out on the sidewalk. Certainly, one could construe it as embarrassment on his part but moreover, he just didn't want to fry her nerves by going along even if it was absolutely tempting.

There was, of course, that momentary glimmer in his eye that she was sure to spot--the hint that he wanted to corner her with that trail she'd left for him and make her question the time and place to bluff with him. Instead of biting, his smile softened for her and he let her free of his touch for a little while longer.

A part of him settled at the moment. That was it, he supposed. Beyond her confident declaration of victory and the smile she wielded as a sword and shield in equal parts, he realized there wasn't even a competition to have anymore. Still, there was no joy in resting on one's laurels. Seeing her best efforts would surely be enough to make him quell his regret with something finer.]

So, rather than thinking so far ahead, why don't you tell me what you'd like to have for dinner? Since you're keen on your victory, I'd imagine you've considered your victory feast? It wouldn't hurt to get it prepared.