“I’ve never been drawn to a woman in my life as I have been to you. Ever since we started this hike.” Shevek’s tone was cold, almost resentful. “I didn’t mean to spoil your vacation,” she said, with her large childish laugh, too loud for the twilight. “It doesn’t spoil it!” “That’s good. I thought you meant it distracted you.” “Distracted! It’s like an earthquake.” “Thank you.” “It’s not you,” he said harshly. “It’s me.” “That’s what you think,” she said. There was a longish pause. “If you want to copulate,” she said, “why haven’t you asked me?” “Because I’m not sure that’s what I do want.”
