He smiles at her soft, worried-sounding apology. "Not at all," he says gently. He pulls back as well but doesn't withdraw entirely, resting his hands loosely at her elbows.

Her next question comes as a surprise, but not at all an unpleasant one. He brightens instantly. "I do!" he declares, and then looks a bit sheepish. "I've been known to have a bit of a sweet tooth. Whyever do you ask?"