"I guess it would make for an awkward ride," Donovan clung to the only interpretation that allowed him to still manage a bashful attempt at a smile. "It's fine," he insisted through his denial, ignoring every burning instinct to run when he doubted how far it'd even get him. "I know how to walk home, and it's a nice night. The kind of night I had hoped to tell you that I loved you."
He closed his eyes tightly so he wouldn't have to see any look of disgust. While he hated how he'd been too much of a coward to say anything sooner, it really wouldn't have made any difference to the outcome. Thoughts of taking things slowly had seemed ideal up until the moment time had run out. It wasn't any attempt to appeal to the man to somehow change his mind. Love was what led him into this mess, he was hardly going to rely on it to save him. But he was allowed to be selfish at least once. One last heartbreak for the road.