He smiled at me and seemed to relax before launching into a spiel on consistency and compassion and how Sisko’s being a father in the show made him more relatable. He was animated; the light in his eyes was back, along with his smile. We watched two episodes before I couldn’t fight another yawn. “I think it’s time for bed,” I said, trying to shake off my tiredness.

“Oh,” Jordan said, quickly getting to his feet. He swallowed hard and took a small step back. “Yes, I should be going. I didn’t realise how late it was.”

His anxiousness was back, and I think I knew what it was. While we’d been standing close and touching, he’d become anxious, but as soon as I put some distance between us and made no move to get cuddly on the couch, he’d relax.

I sat up and put my feet on the floor. “Jordan, can I ask you something?”

He opened his mouth but shut it again and he glanced to the front door. “Uh, sure.”

“Are you worried that I want more?” I looked up at him. “Because I don’t. I mean, that kiss earlier was amazing and I’d like to do more of that, but not tonight. And maybe we’ll work our way up to cuddling on the couch.” I gave a pointed nod to the TV. “Maybe by season two? But not tonight.”

He let out a loud breath and almost swayed. He sagged back onto the couch next to me. “Am I that obvious?”

“You’re like a rabbit in front of a fox.”

He barked out a laugh. “That’s an apt description, because it’s how I feel.”

I gave him a sad smile. “I’m sorry. I want you to feel safe around me. But I get it. I do.”