[So she didn't like him, but it was nothing to do with him and she knew it or she wouldn't have made herself smile. Which meant there was something else about this she didn't want. Two obvious possibilities, and he doubted that it was anything to do with modesty.]

No you aren't. [He paused a beat and then grinned.] You're my partner. 'Assistant' is to sucker the smarks who watch the magician's hands closely to work out how the trick's done and don't realise no one's watching your hands unless you want them to.

[He smiled and held out his hand, hoping he'd not misread her.] Alec Hardison.