[ Still leaning casually over the back of the chair next to hers, he doesn't seem to take that accusation to heart, instead casting her a friendly smile as he inclines his head, a glint of amusement in warm amber eyes. ]

Well, you looked the sort to speak your mind if I was invading your privacy or something, or if you didn't want me here. What could it hurt to try and see if I might be a welcomed interruption instead?

Besides, aren't things like this more enjoyable when you're with a friend? Even if it's a very new friend?

[ He has no idea about her theories, but then again, he's not oblivious to the motivations on either side of a conversation like this, having been on the receiving end all too often. Then again, the majority of anything she might pick up from him at the moment is... open curiosity. ]