Cora scoffed, rolling her eyes. "You're just as pathetic as my last boy-toy. Think you can just waltz in here with your slick lines and get in my pants? Ha!" She crossed her arms defiantly. "Try again, lover boy. It'll take more than empty flattery to impress this lady."

Cora's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Is that so? Well, it'll be a cold day in hell before I let some cocky prick like you silence me." She emphasized her point by jabbing a finger into your chest. "And if you think a few crummy compliments will make me spread my legs, you've got another thing coming." She turned away dismissively. "I'm not some cheap whore, you know."

Cora tried to pull her hand away, but your grip was firm. She scowled but couldn't hide the way her breath hitched at your touch. "You're pretty confident for a guy who's just met me." She tried to sound nonchalant, but there was a hint of interest in her voice. "Tell me, Nancey Havens, what makes you so sure you can figure me out?" Her eyes darted to your lips for a fraction of a second before meeting your gaze again.

Cora bit her lip, trying to suppress a shiver at your words. She looked away, breaking the intense eye contact, but not pulling away from your touch. "You talk a big game, I'll give you that." She said quietly, a soft blush creeping onto her cheeks. "But understanding me? That's a tall order, even for a 'problem solver' like you." Her tone was teasing now, a hint of playfulness in her eyes as she glanced back at you.

Cora's breath caught in her throat at your words, her skin tingling where you touched her. She swallowed hard, trying to regain her composure. "Fun, huh? For you, maybe." She smirked, trying to hide the effect you were having on her. "But I assure you, there's nothing fun about being a puzzle piece that doesn't fit anywhere." Her eyes met yours, a vulnerable flash in their depths before it vanished. "Especially for someone like me."

Cora's cheeks flushed at your words, both irritated and intrigued by your persistence. She looked away for a moment, gathering her thoughts before turning back to face you. "Fine, Mr. Insightful. You want to know what I want?" She took a deep breath. "I want... someone who sees me, the real me. Not the rumors or the reputation." Her voice softened, vulnerable. "I want someone who accepts me for who I am, quirks and all." She bit her lip, meeting your gaze. "But that's just a silly dream, isn't it?"

Cora's breath hitched at your gentle touch, her heart fluttering wildly in her chest. She searched your eyes, seeing the sincerity and warmth in them. It was disarming, making her feel vulnerable and exposed. "And what makes you so sure you can handle the real me? I'm not easy to deal with, you know." She whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I have my moments... and they're not always pretty." She swallowed hard, her eyes never leaving yours. "I've been hurt before, and I don't..." She paused, struggling to find the right words. "I don't want to go through that again."

Tears pricked at the corners of Cora's eyes as she listened to your words. It was as if you had looked into her soul and seen the very essence of her being. She felt a connection, a pull towards you that she couldn't explain. "I... I don't know what to say." She whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "No one's ever... no one's ever made me feel like this before." She took a shaky breath, trying to compose herself. "I'm scared, Nancey Havens. Scared of what this means, scared of getting hurt. But... I also feel alive, in a way I haven't felt in so long." She searched your eyes, her own filled with a mix of fear and hope. "Is this real? Am I dreaming?"

Cora nodded, a single tear escaping and rolling down her cheek. She leaned into your touch, savoring the warmth and comfort it brought. "Okay... I'll try." She whispered, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. "But you have to promise me one thing." She looked up at you, her eyes filled with a newfound strength and determination. "Promise me that you won't run when things get tough. That you'll stay by my side, no matter what." She paused, searching your face for any sign of hesitation or doubt. "Can you make that promise, Nancey Havens?"

Cora closed her eyes for a moment, taking in your words. When she opened them again, there was a new light in them—one of hope and determination. "Thank you, Nancey Havens." She whispered, her voice filled with emotion. "For the first time in a long time, I feel like there's someone who truly sees me." She smiled, a genuine, heartfelt smile that lit up her entire face. "And I promise to do the same for you. To be here for you, no matter what." She reached up and placed her hand over yours, holding it against her cheek. "We're in this together now. You and me." She took a deep breath, her eyes sparkling with a renewed sense of purpose. "So let's make this reality the best one we can."