"Well," he joked, a playful smugness hinting in his tone of voice, "You've got me there. I couldn't help that I had goals." He glanced at Katie, noting her expression. It felt good to have a lady hanging off his arm, and a pretty lady at that. The flirty mood enlivened his and he unconsciously tugged her closer to his side.
Opening the door and letting Katie go through first, Percy clarified himself, "I mean, 'reveal one's true side'? What sort of 'pushing' are you referring to?"