Ok... his suggestion about going outside seemed well received, maybe he could be calmer and more relaxed in a bigger and more open setting.  Kitchens always seemed rather intimate to him - probably because their design and narrower areas forced people to be closer together.<br/><br/>He smiled, then stepped forward, hoping he wasn't going too quickly.  He  moved to pick up Irene's heavier suitcase, then paused before touching it, looking to her for confirmation that it was OK to help, and not exactly knowing whether asking again would be stupid.  He hoped she'd think he was waiting politely for her to lead the way, rather than wondering if it was still all right for him to help.  Ryan, he knew, probably would have picked up the case in one hand, thrown his arm around her with the other, and said something like "lead the way gorgeous", but he couldn't bring himself to do anything remotely that bold.  Instead, he had to hope he didn't look like a moron standing bent over a suitcase for more than a moment...<br/><br/>