Ah yes. The old 'I'm in charge' thing. Gene purses his lips and just looks at her evenly, processing. He'd agreed to it even though it didn't sit right - this is her world, after all, and he doesn't want to muck things up for her.

But God, that wasn't even a decent suggestive remark. Is she going to be that uptight the whole time?

'I never said anythin' different, did I?' he murmurs back. They're 'business associates'. He knows it has to be two rooms. He was only joking.

Y'know. Sort of.

He's thoughtful as they cross the street. It had never occurred to him that it might be so awkward, watching every word and being talked to like that by a woman. He took orders from people for years - in the Army, and then his superior officers in the force - he still does, occasionally. But it's different coming from her, especially with the promise of what's coming between them. Unless she's changed her mind again.

He holds the door open for her nonetheless. With a polite smile as well.

It's only a little bit sarcastic.