Cormac actually laughed at her denial. He grinned. "No, you just admitted that you used a term of endearment toward me which means you find me endearing at the very least, but that could even mean more. That could even mean that you actually--" He made a mock gasps. "--like me."
He nodded. "I probably am," he agreed, but continued teasingly, "But I think you started you it. I don't take the blame for that." He paused, trying not to smirk at her. "I don't know about that. I don't think I thought I decided who you were exactly. I don't presume to know anyone, even those who I've associated with for years can surprise me. But I did form a sort of opinion, but so did you without really knowing me. It's human nature to." He shook his head, mirroring her expression. "I know you're not terrible at all, whether it's made as terrible as I made you out to be in my head or not," he told her. He wasn't sure why he was working so hard to convince her - and maybe himself - that he knew now she wasn't as bad as in the beginning. They'd both had reasons for their opinions of each other and both had played a part in both cases. If they really wanted to get into it again, though, he was sure they could both arrange that. It would just be a shame to waste such a good evening with some petty discussion or even argument about the past. He glanced down when she pulled her hand away to take a drink. At least it wasn't complete and instantaneous rejection. And the smile on her face was telling too, or maybe it was just a little comfort that she hadn't mind holding his hand. Maybe she'd liked it? He wasn't even sure, but at least she wasn't outraged, offended, or angry. That was something.
He tilted his head to the side with a grin before shaking his head. "Oh, no. I am not telling you my goal. It would defeat the purpose if I obtain it, you know. The satisfaction wouldn't be nearly as great if you knew beforehand. And I will refrain, out of respect for the mysteries of a woman, to ask what your goal is," he added happily. "You should. My mother wouldn't be caught dead doing things like the laundry. We had house elves for cleaning and cooking when I was growing up. And nannies, too," he told her with no shame.