Joe joyfully accepted the touch and affection Pearl was giving him. This must be what it meant to be a man. Her pulling away from his lips, allowed him to breathe too.
Joe merely stood there silent feeling her form close against his own. It was a delight and he gently embraced her like a precious package: she was a pearl after all. Tongues could wag and whisper, and they should probably stop, but that was easier said than done in the moment.

"You cloud my 'ead too, Miss" Joe answered unnecessarily formally, but he wasn't quite thinking straight.