Charlie watched Lina's face carefully to gauge just how she might respond. It was always interesting to learn the expressions of someone new, someone he'd just met, so he let the smile on his face go as he studied her. He watched her throw her beer back, noting a distinct impressed feeling welling up in him. Brows raised as she stood up and started in, Charlie could feel the hairs stand up on his arms. Uh oh.. He had a moment to judge what to do next before she'd moved in further and pushed him back on his stool. The bar-top pressed uncomfortably into his shoulder blades as his eyes widened.
Pulse racing, Charlie's nostrils flared as he fought to process just what the fuck had set Lina off. Okay, he got that he'd said something that rubbed her the wrong way, but how the hell was he supposed to defuse the situation? He settled himself with holding absolutely still save for his hands. He set his drink on the bar and slowly moved his hands up to show he meant no harm, even if she might. "Help you what, find answers? Is that what you want?" He kept his voice even, his face free of much expression besides alarm. "Despite what you might think, I do want to help you."