"I'm so lucky to have a lovely lady such as you around," Chad told Cordelia with a smile. She was sat on the couch in his house, nipping on a glass of wine. His tastes were no less exquisite now that they'd gone on a few dates and he was still going strong on the flattery.

"Am I not the lucky one, being showered with gifts as well as fine food and drink?" Cordelia said, tilting her glass ever so slightly in Chad's direction. She had no doubt that this wine was more expensive than anything she would normally get.

"Oh, but anything less would be criminal," Chad told her with his usual flirty smile. "If I may?" He took her hand and looked up at her expectantly.

Cordelia couldn't help giggling in response. She smiled back at him and nodded. "By all means."

When he received the go-ahead Chad bowed his head and placed a gentle kiss on Cordelia's hand. It amused her that he would make such a show out of it, given that they'd done far more intimate things already. Then again it didn't strike her as out of character. The man liked to put on airs.

"I'm truly blessed," Chad smiled up at her. More flattery, of course.

Cordelia giggled again and went along with it. "My, Chad Morris, that is a strong word. Surely I cannot be the only blessing you've ever received."

"You're by far the most magnificent one," Chad said as he leaned closer. "I see you made the requested changes to your outfit… for the most part." His lips quirked upward for a split second, leaving Cordelia unsure as to whether he was amused or trying to hide irritation at the fact that she hadn't complied to the letter.

"No matter," Chad shook his head. "I must admit that this probably suits you better."

Cordelia had to resist quirking an eyebrow. A concession? Now that was unexpected from him.

"Perhaps you'd like some fashion advice from me next?" Cordelia joked. Was she pushing it? Maybe, but these things were no fun if there was no risk involved.

Chad's brows rose. "Oh? And what would your suggestion be?"

"Get a shirt that's easier to unbutton, or perhaps get rid of it entirely," Cordelia snickered.

Rather than words, Chad's initial response was to flush. "I- That's not what I was expecting… It seems I forgot just how bold you can be."

"Not a bad thing, is it?" Cordelia smiled.

His expression returning to the usual and he shook his head. "Not at all. You're so lively."

Probably his way of conveying that he found her entertaining, Cordelia guessed. She didn't take offense at that as her reason for sticking with him was pretty much the same. This little game of influence was a nice change of pace and she knew not to get sucked into this in any serious capacity. It was all fun and games and at some point they'd go their separate ways. She would probably miss his affections for a while but such was the way of life. Someone else would come along sooner or later, or rather she'd pick them up.

"Cordelia, is something the matter?" Chad asked. "You seemed a little distant there."

"Oh," Cordelia chuckled, realizing that she'd gotten too caught up in her own thoughts. Luckily for her an excuse was easily available. "Sorry, I was too busy imagining you shirtless."

Chad flushed again and Cordelia broke into a laugh.

"Aw, why are you being so shy today? This isn't like you," she commented.

"Does it matter? You're my shining star and that's all I need," Chad replied, placing an arm around her and pulling her close.

Deflecting the question. That was curious, then again it seemed to Cordelia that Chad had a general resistance to talking deeply about personal affairs. She decided to not press him on the matter for the time being.

They spent some time cuddling during which Chad made some of his subtle jabs again, although Cordelia found them to be unusually weak. She concluded that he either had an off day or that she'd somehow managed to lead him off track with her remarks. That meant the date turned out less entertaining than hoped for, but she figured Chad would be back to his usual ways soon enough.