"Amanda," Jasper Bollock began, cutting off Amanda Jenkins's words, "do you still not understand that it's not your thanks that I want? Besides, when a man and a woman dine together, there's no reason for the woman to pay the bill."
"But..."
"Amanda Jenkins," Jasper's voice deepened.
Amanda was startled and looked up in confusion to see that the color in his eyes had darkened a bit.
He frowned, "You make me feel like I've done something wrong."
Amanda looked at him without understanding, her hands clasped tightly together on her lap.
"I don't want your thanks, nor do you need to feel indebted to me, because you owe me nothing," Jasper said. "If my feelings for you have become such a burden, such a psychological load for you, then it is my fault."
"No," Amanda quickly shook her head, "it's not like that."
