Now that I can take a step back from the conversation, I feel even better about it.
It is sexy that he is so sure with his little smirk. Too bad he's sick...
PM is NOT an easy read, so I know I need to give him lots of space to take it in and bite off chewable chunks. He is a very busy person, and it is quite a blessing that he wants to continue the work. Wait a minute - Time for a quick, therapeutic brag. OF COURSE he wants to work his ass off. He'd be crazy to let LuckyGirl go!
Time to back out of his space again and flash him once in a while.
I can see that this will be a fun dance, balancing talking with doing (less of the former, more of the latter, God willing).