Boundaries. Dean recognized one when presented with it and it would be hypocritical of him not to respect it.

It was the right choice.

It still hurt like hell.

Dean knew he'd been playing with fire, making stupid moves and he had no right to be as disappointed as he was. "I understand." He nodded, feeling that uncomfortable drop in his stomach that followed the sting of rejection. As his father had always said, play stupid games, win stupid prizes.

"Go ahead, I'll be a few." He needed to pull his poker face back together and get through the rest of the evening and that would require a minute to gather his thoughts.