That gets him to pause. He was pretty sure, but hearing her say she likes him so directly catches him out.
He takes the moment to gather his thoughts and put down his drink so that he can give her his full attention.
If she's being straight with him, he'll give her the same courtesy. "Because I'm forty and not a model, or actor. Or particularly rich, though I don't think you care too much about money so long as I have a stable job."
"You're nothing like the women who usually give me attention," he summarises. "And as a rule, I don't want to act like those men back at that party, who chase after young women they can dazzle with gifts."
"Plus, you're young and beautiful and independent, and wicked sharp. You could have any man you want. And this is New York. There are a lot of good choices here."
no subject
He takes the moment to gather his thoughts and put down his drink so that he can give her his full attention.
If she's being straight with him, he'll give her the same courtesy. "Because I'm forty and not a model, or actor. Or particularly rich, though I don't think you care too much about money so long as I have a stable job."
"You're nothing like the women who usually give me attention," he summarises. "And as a rule, I don't want to act like those men back at that party, who chase after young women they can dazzle with gifts."
"Plus, you're young and beautiful and independent, and wicked sharp. You could have any man you want. And this is New York. There are a lot of good choices here."