He shook his head, staring into the living room, shoulders still pressed into the back of the couch as if he was trying to ground himself to keep from pacing the room. "I appreciate that you believe that Ella, I really do. But...I'm not still a musician. At least not the way I was and that's not something you get over. Loving something doesn't make it good for you. Loving something doesn't make it love you back."
He sat for quietly for a moment and then turned toward her with a half-smile. "See what happens when you uncover secrets? You risk turning the conversation in a very depressing direction! I'm pretty sure Valmont would never permit this kind of talk when he entertained a young woman!" His smile widened and this time his eyes flickered with a hint of teasing.