He smirked a bit. "Wine's fine for now," he said with a nod. "Red, if you have it." But he reasoned that she wouldn't have offered if she didn't. He still had a vaguely bemused expression in place.
"Isn't that something," he said quietly. "I never would've thought myself the type to start those kinds of rumours among the students," he grinned. "Should I be flattered or concerned?"
He took that as his cue to stop, and though he kept his hands resting on her back for a moment, he did drop them after a moment. He flexed his fingers briefly before dropping his hands into his lap, and smiling at Ari.
"Feel better?" he asked lightly. Then, "Glad I could help."