"If I make an Energizer Bunny joke are you going to laugh or just get madder?" Why was winding her up so much fun when at the same time he didn't want her to worry so much?
How had she gotten in so deep in such a short amount of time? The strain on her lovely features was killing him, but he couldn't help it. Egging her on seemed like such a good idea.
"Pepper, it's fine because I'm here. I'm breathing. Would have sucked to kick the bucket without even kissing you once." That might have been a pout.