Bunta would snicker if it were just the two of them alone. Dorothea had a great wit. It was one of the things he liked about her. It was easy to see the attractive, talented woman she was on the outside. The real treat was getting to know the beautiful person she was on the inside. Charismatic, playful, strong, intelligent, kind-hearted, driven. If things had been different, if his life wasn't already dedicated to another, he might have gladly offered it to her. But then, if his life wasn't already dedicated to another, he wouldn't have the prestigious steady job to make him a viable option for her. It was never to be!

In any case, it sounds like she understands, and has graciously both spared Lissa the humiliation of learning about their history together and offered her a natural transition back into the conversation. Bunta jumps on it.

"Oh, that would be nice. What do you think, Lissa? Shall we go together?" He deliberately sidesteps the word date.