Ok so this was probably a bit more than he was supposed to agree to. A lot more. Even if it was nice.
Placing his hands on her hips he pushed her away gently. 'Natalie, I...' he hesitated for a moment. 'I can't do this,' he then said. Merlin that felt odd to say. Kissing her on the forehead, he stepped back, putting some distance between them to force himself out of too familiar patterns.
'I'm sorry, I just can't do that any more. As lovely as it is, as you are.' He smiled at her, fighting the urge to step closer and wrap his arms around her, giving a thought to Percy. Yeah, it was definitely worth it.