[For one reason or another her words hurt. He doesn't really know the reasons (or maybe he's somewhat in denial), but it's there. Even if only traces.
The hand he has upon her head hesitates a little before it drops back to his side. He wants to take her hand again within his own, but. . .]
Maybe, I guess. We should go back inside somewhere.
[Yet he says so almost defeated.]
. .. I don't have to speak them aloud, then. If you'd rather I not.
[Even though he so badly wants to express himself more. He can't entirely rid himself of how tight his chest feels, but he does try and ignore it. Maybe even more so when he hears her speak those last part.
He doesn't say much when he begins to lead them back up the beach.]