"Adjusting an amorphous menu in my head is all. If you would like to join I'd be more than happy to cook for you." He let the idea hang in the air for a moment he settled atop the bench with her.
Their push and pull felt organic, and while he'd obviously been being sarcastic he couldn't deny that he was flirting with her a little bit. Her comment piqued his interest, but he sensed it was an aside and didn't pursue it. "Alright, welcome committee schtick aside. What do you look for in a town? What makes it someone you want to stay?" He'd hoped the questions came off as genuine and not like a line.