Joseph wasn't usually blindly protective of Claudia. He did care for her and there wasn't anything he wouldn't do for her. She was just very capable of taking care of herself and he knew that he didn't need to constantly jump to her defense. However, it was probably good that Hannah didn't voice her suspicions. He wouldn't have believed for a second that Claudia's intentions had been less than honorable and there wouldn't have been a point in arguing with him.
He let loose of the tire when she knotted the rope and he found himself grinning at her, yet again. Really, could he be blamed for that? He had missed her! He was happy to be near her... even if things weren't going as well as he would have hoped.
"I did!" he answered quickly, probably a little too quickly. "It was a lot of fun!" Realizing just how he'd sounded, his tone turned soft and he gave her a soft, sincere smile. "I missed you, though. I'm glad to be home."