Richard cleared his throat rather loudly and then glanced sideways to Elle, nodding.
"Yes, I just ... thought it was rather good." He knew that was a lame excuse, but saying 'hey, I didn't want to dissolve the cup before I got done with it' was also a little too crazy. He managed a half-smile when she rubbed his back (okay, because girls didn't touch him and that was ... new).
"Thank you. I ... will accept, although I do not know if I would feel right allowing you to pay."