Cause earthquakes. Thank god(s?) that Paul had his head in his hands. It was like a light went on and the change flickered across Cassie’s face. He couldn’t possibly mean… But the recent earthquakes had been so sudden, so strange. Small though they were, weren’t the epicenters nearby? “We live in California. Earthquakes happen all the time. We’re the land of earthquakes!” She tried to sound reassuring but her voice was soft. Not shaky, just nervous. They didn’t really think Paul could do that, did they?
She wanted to hug him or at least rub his shoulders but damn company policy! He lifted his head before she could give into the urge and she frowned slightly, not because she didn’t believe him, but that this whole thing was so weird and out of control. The fact that they were taking this seriously, if only because they had no other options, was worrying. “I like you!” He didn’t need to hire anyone let alone a dolphin to make her like him. She already did. “And we’re going on another fucking date!—” She cut herself short and glanced the door before her voice returned, much much softer now, a whisper. “We’re going on another fucking date.” It was somewhere between a demand and a plea and a proposal of her own but she did want a second one.
“You’re not forcing me to do anything, Paul. I like you. I do.” Her previously determined expression softened, and she gave him a smile, almost shy now that the situation was making her be so honest. “Whatever this is, we’ll figure it out but let’s just…” She didn’t to say outright things like ‘Don’t propose to me’ because the myth had that part right. They weren't that serious yet, not by a long shot. It would freak her the hell out and he might really have to find some dolphins to get her to come back. Cassie didn’t want to say to take it slow; it made her sound prudish and prime and those things she definitely wasn’t. “Let’s just keep doing what we’re doing.” Getting to know each other. Going with the flow.