"Not hardly!" he said with a laugh. "No more than I use the same endearments for people, cherie. That's...what 'tis the word? Tacky? I tell you that you are exceptional because you are," he said, his thumb tracing over her lips. "You are not forgettable, Xanthippe. Were you, I'd not be here. But I am, because I wanted to get to know you better."

He grinned, nuzzling her neck. "And enjoy you more," he added. "Cannot say that did not cross my mind."