I don't see a footstool in here.

[Okay, there's a chair, and a table, and some other things, but those would take precious seconds to climb onto. Height advantage.

He cocks his eyebrows as she comes to an abrupt freeze. It's not immediately apparent whether it's the good or bad kind of freeze, but she's not frowning, so it's probably the former.]

Painting, specifically. I'm always looking for new subjects, and you'd make a fine one.

[Are they drifting away from the urge to slap yet?]