Thread:StoryGirl83/@comment-28828403-20180121151221/@comment-3452092-20180121163615

Yeah, as best I can see it, his uneasiness is entirely from the newness and his own disbelief. He's said on more than one occation in the very short time he's been involved with the MC (for those of us who have him with our MC) that he does want this relationship. Loose quote of what he said right after he found out she turned down the king, "I was hoping this, whatever this is, could be more of a thing." And he's constantly smiling when he looks at her.

Despite the fact that Maxwell claims he can handle it, I think letting himself be a verbal punching bag of sorts for his brother since Savannah left (and I'm pretty sure that's when that started) has taken its toll on his self esteem. Add that to the fact that he's never had a serious relationship or (if I'm reading it right) anything more than a one night stand and maybe he's just very unsure of his footing in general. He is the one who makes everyone laugh. Anything else and he's on unfamiliar ground. On top of that, apparently, his parents were super over protective of him (and probably his brother).

He wants this relationship. He just wants to take things slow and really, that is a very reasonable request, one the MC is more than happy to honor. He wants to get this right and I think that's sweet. Too many people rush into things. Not really anyone in this story, although I think the prince/king would have given the chance, something he definitely didn't have, but all the other relationships have taken it slow (none more than with Maxwell, but that is clearly understandable) and I like that about them.