She knew he could win on his own merits but she wouldn't give him the satisfaction by actually admitting it. It was more fun when she was teasing him and he was teasing back. "Oh, I don't know. I'm not convinced," she replied with good-natured skepticism. His laughter made her grin. "Only two seconds?" Astoria asked, amused. "Maybe you should give yourself a little more credit."
Astoria wasn't planning to say. "That's a good line. I think I should use that excuse more often," she said with a laugh.
"I do," she replied quietly, almost in a whisper. Astoria stayed in place, despite her desire to lean forward as well. She liked the tone of his voice but she wasn't one to give in so easily. "You'll see," she promised with a flirtatious smile. At least, she hoped he'd find out. But she was sure she wasn't supposed to say that aloud.