"I'm not sure, maybe it was the dolly of file folders I took up there once. I don't think they think I'm the astronaut, but maybe someone in their accounting department."
Her fingers interlocked with his and his nostrils flared only ever so slightly at a larger intake of breath. It certainly had been awhile since the last first date, hadn't it? Especially if this was his reaction. Increased pulse, breath ... "I'm sorry to hear about your brother," he said, his hand holding hers more securely, in an attempt to give her comfort if his words couldn't. "I spent some time in the Army. Was a Ranger in ..." another boundary sprang up, just like with work. "... a few places. Lost a few good people myself."
Phil looked at her again, watching her expression change, focusing on her eyes for a little while. "Fish. Hmm. One of those might be nice. Maybe a few houseplants, although those need watering."
"You turned off your phone earlier. Did you need to take care of something? I very much understand that sometimes work bleeds a little into a social life." His thumb traced slowly over her knuckles, his expression changing to a sympathetic smile.