Verity rarely forgets. A passing comment may come back to bite him in three years. But it might be the kind of biting he likes. But the hyperbole, romantic as it may be, is starting to get to be too much for her. She isn't at the point of commenting, but he knows that sudden tension. It's not the good kind. "I'd say we're pretty well stuck together. I know you're stuck with me."

She looks pretty good. She makes an effort. If he wants to find that wonderful, she's not going to stop him.

Kissing her is a good plan. A really solidly excellent plan. After saying such sweet things and making her feel all melty, he ought to kill her better. Yes. That's it. "I hope I always do."