James got to his feet almost immediately after her. His step back wasn’t really intentional, but he did indeed put some distance between them, as if she were going to throw herself at him again. The looks on her face said quite plainly that she wasn’t, of course, and once if he’d been less irritated, James might have felt bad about the way he’d reacted. As it was, he couldn’t find it in himself to care that she looked so defeated. So… un-Katherine.
He listened, eyes narrowing as she spoke. The sudden turmoil of emotion he was experiencing was perhaps the scariest thing that had occurred this year, and he wasn’t sure he could keep it off his face. So he turned his back to her, desperately trying to keep his head about him. This wasn’t fair. This wasn’t how it was supposed to work. She wasn’t supposed to like him. No one was ever supposed to actually fall for him. Especially not Katherine, for god’s sake. He just wasn’t cut out for the boyfriend thing. In fact, he wasn’t entirely sure he was cut out for the interacting with other people thing. Not if these last six years were any evidence.
If it meant nothing, it would be better, he was almost sure. He’d be angry then, too, no doubt about it. But it’d be a routine irritation, and there would be none of this terrifying confusion. At least he didn’t think there would be. Instead, James was positive that he wasn’t thinking clearly. Could it still be some after effects of that god damned kiss? No, of course not, he thought quickly, trying to ignore that part of him that wanted to turn back around and kiss her again.
He didn’t of course. Instead, James crossed his arms over his chest, staring out the window. He was very aware that she was still behind him, had not left, that her words were still hanging in the air, needing a response. But the truth was, he didn’t have one to give. What the hell could he say to that anyway?
Finally into the dead air, James said softly, if not a bit stiffly, “You should go.”