The fact that he doesn't have a comeback for that, not even pointing out the obvious, is really indicative. When he feels her hand on his shoulder, he covers it with his own-- the more contact the better, right?

"Sorry," he says, and with his brain-to-mouth filter acting up, he adds, "Barbara's got a girlfriend and I couldn't find Piper anywhere."

Anybody else, he'd be uncomfortable asking for help.