She has no reason to embarrassed or ashamed and that certainly wasn't Matt's intention. He'd just wanted to slow things down, to take things slow even. This isn't a one night stand nor is it an encounter like she's accustomed to. She hasn't failed and she doesn't know how it works. This is how it works in a relationship, which is what Matt wants to give a shot with her.

This isn't a mistake, and hopefully before the night is over, she'll come to realize that. There really is nowhere he'd rather have her than in his lap right now.

He can sense both, but he's not about to bring it to anyone's attention. He knows she's embarrassed and frustrated. He won't add to that.

He takes a calming, deep breath before he answers. "Because it makes me feel loved and safe. It makes me feel good because I believe, I hope, that it's making you feel the same way. It's not as intense a feeling as an orgasm," he admits, "but it lasts a lot longer. I'll go to bed tonight feeling warm, safe and loved. I'll fall asleep thinking about being wrapped up in you on this couch." Yes, it makes him very vulnerable to admit all of this, to put it all into words, but he figures she's laid just as bare right now, so he might as well join her.

The chuckle he lets out has an awkward edge. "Yeah...that's probably not going to change with you in my lap, but I'm not going to make decisions with my dick. I'm not sixteen anymore." His heart plummets at her confession. He'd suspected, yes, but to have it confirmed in words hurts. "Katniss," he tells her softly, tenderly, "I'm not paying you. I'm trying to date you."