[ Even for a man as inattentive to emotional matters as he is, he can see that he's offended her. It wasn't intentional, of course. Only the truth. Though the reason he had rejected the thought of even a small commitment to each other is exactly the same. It isn't just about her limitations with touch — it's also his own limitations. There is surely a point at which it stops being decent for him to keep stringing her along. Going into detail about how much he'd like to kiss her, too, seems like it's on the edge of that point.

Unfortunately, verbalizing this in a gentle way does not come to him naturally.

Miller stiffens as he meets her gaze, the forced handhold becoming a touch uncomfortable. He can't help the noticeably defensive inflection. ]

No need to be so dramatic. You didn't seem like you were in any hurry a moment ago. We'll get there soon, I'm sure, but I can pick up the pace if you're getting sick of me.