she gingerly peeled back his sleeve . but also `` state , '' as in a man who had had far too much to drink . `` would you mind if i helped myself to some ? '' i replied , shaking my head slightly and crossing my arms over my chest . oddly , the idea carried with it the breath of release . i mean to try what can be done with that union . `` no , i mean why did n't you run ? '' 