"But perhaps that is why I enjoy referring to you as such," he says lightly, watching her with a calm, sharp eye. In truth, he would gladly be rid of these skates, having already moved on to consider other things, but might return to the pastime again. "You have given me no true indication, in fact, that you are no lady. I have known many, and you surpass them." Silver-tongued indeed.

Now he takes her hand from his shoulder and doesn't look away from her eyes as he presses his lips to the backs of her fingers. "It would be my pleasure to take you to dinner. But as you have won our wager and gracefully allow me that pleasure, I leave the choice to you. Where will we go?"