"My," he breathed, staring at her for a good few seconds with fingers still playing along over hers. "I don't believe I've ever been called 'delectable', at least, to my face. There's nothing wrong with your sense of humor, Miss Roxy, it is quite... refreshing." With great consideration and perhaps a touch of his own dry humor, he withdrew his fingers to pick up the dessert menu and waft air at her. "Forgive me, if I knew my attention was unwelcome," laughing softly with the sound rolling out as a chuckle initially, "I would have been on my best behavior." Which mean Abel could be even more agreeable than he already was.
"My grandmother raised me to always be polite," said with grave seriousness given a tight smile, dipping his face forward to shadow it momentarily as he managed to quell the rising frustration at Clarinda's good intentions apparently damaging his chance at any normalcy in his life. "It would only become Miss Roxanna, quite a mouth full in its own way, but no less appealing." A hand rose to cover his eyes again before he even glanced at her a few seconds more, she was on a roll. "Please, allow me my own way of showing respect," a velvet smooth voice beseeching her. "It is in no way meant as derogatory and I sincerely doubt I'd be able to get through the night not saying 'Miss' again, even appropriately bribed."