Unfortunately, Oliver was well aware he was attractive, even if he didn't work very hard for it. But he also didn't want people to only think of him that way, or to assume he had nothing going for him except looks. He was a hard worker who put everything into his sport, and it mattered a great deal to him that people knew that. It was the fact that he was deeper than that-that he cared about poetry and literature and liked children and talking all night was something very few people knew about. He had often found it hard to date people because he was worried he'd put them too much on a pedestal. But he was glad he'd taken his time with Melinda. She kept surprising and delighting him, and tonight was no exception. He loved that she came to patch him up more than anything. He laughed, his eyes crinkled as he looked at her, heart melting a bit. "Yes, we do. I could use some of that TLC now. Well, not food related TLC, though this is much appreciated."
He shrugged and shook his head. "She doesn't know it's you that I have feelings for." He said it. He put it out there. He knew this was something that was huge and so he backed away for a second and concentrated on the rest that she was saying. He turned his head and shrugged. "Maybe...I just don't like thinking about getting old and being less than invincible." He watched her size their hands up, his heart melting a bit more.
"I'm happier you're looking out for me." After a beat, he leaned down and pulled her up into his arms, one hand going to the back of her head, the other pulling her to him. He looked her deep in the eyes, serious for a moment, making sure she was okay. And then he kissed her. It was slow, deliberate and passionate. It was the kiss of a man who had decided something, and Oliver had decided that Melinda was worth taking a risk on.