Kiara's expression softened as she caught the warmth in his smile, her own lips formed a gentle grin that mirrored his sincerity. She tilted her head slightly, as she met his gaze without pulling away. "I know you're serious, Jere," she answered quietly, her voice steady and reassuring. "And I don't take it lightly either. It's one of the things I like about you."
As his laughter floated to her ears, the sound easy and genuine, "Right? That makes sense to me," she added with a playful grin. There was a teasing gleam in her hazel hues, but there was a warmth underneath too. When he apologized for his touchiness, she reached out briefly, her fingers brushed his arm in a quick, affirming touch before she pulled back, respecting the space. "No need to apologize. I get it, you're affectionate, and that's not a bad thing. Sometimes in the moment things happen," she offered with a shrug of her shoulders. "I didn't hate it." The brunette paused, "As for the chicken parm, cooking blindfolded sounds impressive," she murmured cheekily. "I'll hover carefully, promise. And if I do get stepped on, well, that's just an excuse for you to look after me later," she stated, her tone full of mirth.