[ She's such a nuisance, but despite that, he enjoys their game. Neither of them are the types to admit defeat. He likes that about her, though. He likes that she plays as intent to win as he is. It's no fun to play with someone who folds so quickly, after all. As far as he's concerned, as long as he never pulls away - he never loses. But he wants to undeniably win. He wants her to admit that he's won. And then he wants to be invited to another round of games. He wants to keep her around. He wants to keep her returning to him. Because though he'd never say it, he'd be pretty disappointed and bored without her.

The way she's drinking her coffee - it's a power move, he notes. She's treating it as the more important entity here. It's an invitation to push her harder. Tease her. He takes it because he won't lose this round.

His fingers relax on her shoulder and relax there for a moment. ]

I focus plenty.

[ Usually. Not today. Inconvenient as it may be, it seems. It's truly not her fault, but he needs something - someone to blame for his failings of the day. And she's here. ]

Of course it's your fault.

[ Because she's here, of course. He shifts his hand finally, teasing one finger over her collar bone before his hand loosely grips her chin. It's less there as an effort to grip her and make her focus on him, and more to let her know that he can and will. ]

I guess I'll just have to take some time away.

[ Get some new inspiration, perhaps. Or just enjoy himself. ]

You should put your drink down.