[It isn't his goal to deflate her, and in fact, he's almost sorry to have with this line of conversation. But this is obviously important to her -- this Gonta is important to her -- and Connor doesn't think they should just abandon the subject in lieu of something easier to speak about.

Seemingly content with his task of drying, he stops, and folds the towel neatly over his arm. He looks up at her.]

Wouldn't the ideal course of action be that you didn't have to prove anything for him to stay? Does he regard you with friendliness, anyway?