"While I was home?" he laughs back, brow raised. He's both charmed and a little impressed. "You could have asked. I would have said yes." He knows what she didn't, knows why that was dangerous, but the thought she's wanted him close for longer makes him beam right back.

And seeing that strappy garment on her with the shirt around it is enough to stop his mind for a moment, eyes going down her front and mouth falling slightly open in forgotten words. When she comes to kiss him and take off the collar, he chuckles again, combing through her hair. "It's not fair that you keep finding my weaknesses," he teases. He doesn't waste the opportunity to squeeze her to him, enjoying the mix of her skin and the fabric against his now bare chest. But he lets her go when she pulls for his hand, and his smile turns into something softer and warmer.

"I like that," he assures her, and when she's let go to lace her fingers in his, he loops an arm tight around her shoulders, curling his head down to kiss her hard.

They've done so much together, and it's all been wonderful, but this may be his favorite.