Norton is rarely possessive, but this man using endearments at Neal makes it surge up inside him. He suddenly wishes he hadn't pulled the covers up high a few seconds ago because he'd very much like to do something petty and demonstrative, such as running his hand over Neal's chest, just to show Keller what's what. On the other hand, he doesn't have to keep holding this blanket up.

"Funny, I didn't think Neal's veranda was a stop on the train line, petal. And there's definitely not a road through it."

He lets go of the blanket, kisses Neal's cheek (and adds in a wholly unnecessary caress over his chest), and then starts to move to slide out of the bed.