"Hey, it's okay. You stay right there. I don't bite, you know." He hoped that was reassuring. "I wouldn't mind the company..."
Of course, if she'd rather eat by herself, he wouldn't take it personally.
James sat down, unrolled his paper napkin and snapped his wooden chop sticks, preparing to eat a fairly large amount of food. After sandwiches and coffee for a few days straight, this was a welcome feast.