"I take pride in that," he admits, as he leans in a little bit closer to press his forehead lightly against hers. Her fingertips are still in his bangs, but one gloved hand of his moves to catch her hand and pull it back to his chest.

"Now, it wouldn't be proper for your employer to thank you for a job well done until it was actually finished," he murmurs. "But I got faith in your work ethic."

Which explains why he does lean in, ever so slowly, and press his lips against hers.