Any time he wants to see her self-conscious, all he's gotta do is give her a compliment. The flirting, the coyness, and the charm she can handle; she takes it in stride, like the men doing so are only at it to get a rise out of her. It takes her a while to recognize genuine interest.

"Thank you."

Telling her that her hair looks nice isn't just deviling her.

One corner of her mouth rises, slow and subtle. She glances at her hips.

"Wouldn't you like t'know."