"Now why would you think you'd need protecting from that?" Dallas couldn't help but grin as he looked down. To think that Grace needed to be protected from making a food of herself was laughable. If anyone needed to watch out for that, it was him. He might seem sweet and easygoing in the department of flirting, but he was so far out of his league. Dallas was not really good at talking to a girl when he liked her, and liking someone like Grace just made it worse. She was way too good for him, especially since they were supposed to be friends. If he even suggested anything more then he might be overstepping his boundaries.
Hearing her confirm that she liked him and knew he didn't feel the same, however, was a definite shock. He tried to keep the surprise off his face as he looked down, but Dallas was floored. Had he really heard right? There had to be a mistake. The doctors had given him too much pain medication. Something. One look at Grace's expression, however, and the way she was rambling definitely proved that he'd heard exactly right. His heart was pounding, making the machines increase a bit, and his face flushed. What an idiot. He was just gaping at her instead of trying to diffuse her embarrassment or his own.
His mind was still reeling as she explained who had called for a halt on assignments, and Dallas wondered if he was ever going to get his voice back. Managing to clear it as Grace assured him that it would be okay, he held onto her for a second before he spoke. His voice was soft, but he knew she would hear him. "Grace..." he started, trying to think of something supremely meaningful and witty. All that came out, though, was "I like you too." Smooth. Fumbling, Dallas realized that probably could be taken the wrong way, so he started talking more just to make sure she understood.
"I mean, like, more than a friend. Like the way you like me. Or I thin you do, based on what you said. You know, about the weirdness and not just being friends," he hurried on, which made him blush. He was totally lame. If Grace really had meant her words she would sure take them back now.