He knows it bothers her, which is why he doesn't say it often. But this feels like an appropriate time. Maybe someday the idea of being loved by him won't make her want to flinch. Clearly today isn't that day.

She does relax a lot faster this time. That's progress, right? It seems like progress.

"You don't have to say that." He'd rather she didn't if she was only doing it to make him feel better.