She did not just stare at his mouth.

Even as there was a moment frantic want to turn back.
Look at her coffee. Her patrons. Something. Anything. Else.
She didn't. Her smiled widened, the fingers of one hand covering.

"I'll have you know, I manage a pub quite well. Impressively, even."
It's true, but the tone is all mockingly smug.

And maybe, just maybe, hiding how grateful.