The distraction didn't work quite as well as she'd intended. It wasn't that her technique was sloppy, it's just that he'd gradually picked up more and more of an awareness of his surroundings throughout the years. It was a survival skill that someone hunted by cults really needed to develop.
So when she pulled away, he just grinned at her. "Well, if that's your idea of subterfuge, you can distract me all you want." With a wink, he sized up the room. "Y'know, I bet that comes in handy." He laughed and bumped her playfully with his shoulder. Then he turned back to look at her, regarding her seriously for a moment. "I love you too, Ava. More than you could ever realize." He reached out and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, then left his hand to cup her cheek gently. "I love you so much." He leaned in and kissed her forehead gently. "So much."