In this passage from "Innocent in Death" by J.D. Robb, there’s a conversation that implies one character is encouraging another to pursue a romantic interest. The suggestion is to at least explore the possibility of attraction between them, hinting at mutual feelings. However, the response indicates that any attempts to engage have been met with indifference or lack of enthusiasm.

The speaker expresses frustration with the unresponsive situation, emphasizing that if the interest had been reciprocated, he would have eagerly acted on it. This dynamic showcases the challenge of navigating potential romance when the signals are unclear, revealing the complexities of relationships and attraction.