Someday, he'll have to tell her where he learned the finishing skills to see through her fibs and understand the subtext in her words. Skills forced upon him to survive the other side of the system instead being used to love a woman who might've been consumed by it. And Magne's just trying to protect herself, not impose her will on others. It's wonderfully subversive to give Magne what she needs, including willingly handing control over to her.

César laughs, warmly startled by how her hands trail up the back of his thighs, and he nods. "Sounds like a plan. And I do want to talk."

Some gifts and perhaps dance practice will happen in there, too, but she'll find that out later.

He finds himself breathless as she touches him like a work of art before he slides his arms open enough to give her easier access to his face. "... I'm ready. Let me show you my kitchen and what we have to work with. Last door in the back."