Pike's heart wasn't exactly beating calmly, but unlike Faith, he knew why. He really was falling for her, and at this rate falling hard. The thought pleased him at the connection, the first he'd allowed himself in a long time, but there was also a hint of sorrow there. He knew that in the end, even if she did make the right choice, he'd have to tell her that he knew Buffy. He was keeping up the lie now because he knew if he didn't, at best she'd close down and would never let him back in, and at worst...well, everybody knew the worst. But even in the end, if everything worked out the way he hoped it would, when he told her he was pretty sure she would never want to see him again. It would kill him, but he would deserve it for lying to her. Even knowing that, he wasn't backing out. She needed someone to be there for her, and he was going to be. Even if it cost him in the end. For Pike, his happiness just...didn't matter as much as everyone else's. It never had, and probably never would.
He noticed the darkening of her eyes, and when her hand tightened on his he gave it a gentle squeeze in return. Something must have happened there. He wasn't sure what, but if she reacted that way, he knew it was nothing good. But he wasn't going to get more out of her by pushing. Instead he leaned back in, pressing his lips to hers for another kiss. He'd have to take this talking thing slow. That was fine. He could handle slow.
He began running his thumb along the back of her hand gently. It was a gentle gesture, warm and comforting.