Though it was a bit cliche, he could absolutely hear an imaginary clock ticking in the background of the conversation. It was making his usual method of "charming deflection" more of a stretch than usual.

"I wasn't looking for a place to read, I just... didn't want to go home yet and didn't want to leave the book at the party." ...arguably all true statements.

He glanced up the street, briefly, an almost unconscious motion before looking back to here. "Wait, were you following me? That's very flattering, but it can't have made for an interesting night."