"What?!" When did this...how did...what?! "There is a big difference between friends and strangers, friendly hugs and..." he broke off with a sigh and ran a hand down his face. This was spiraling out of control.
"Fred," he looked at her and let her see that he cared about her, but was hurting in his own way hoping she would understand that. "Yes. I trust you. I trust that you would never mean to hurt me, but this tendency to cling to a belief that people are good over being cautious about strangers is going to get you in serious trouble if not hurt some day. All I'm asking is that you be aware of that. And no. I don't like the idea of other guys pawing at you, but that has nothing to do with someone you know closely enough to call a friend giving you a fucking hug hello!"