"I try not to assume anything about anyone--I quite find it saves far more time when your assumptions are inevitably wrong." He can't stop it, that small smirk, remembering what Max had said when she kissed his cheek. He combs his hair out idly, not putting too much effort in keeping it neat, and sweeps half of it up so the rest of his curls are loose.

Much better.

"You could try proving me wrong," he teases. "I do enjoy a good story."