“Earth to you,” Summer said, huffing a laugh, “I don’t need /help/. Sometimes you just need to take a break.” She kicked his knee lightly. “When I want help, believe me, I will ask for it.”
He jumped at the touch before grinning, showing that he was surprised rather than scared of the random contact. “You’re prickly aren’t you? Defensive. But that’s okay – I am too.”
“I am not either prickly!” she exclaimed, affecting offense. “I am a tough, smart, independent woman who don’t need no help.” Then she crossed her eyes and stuck out her tongue.