Sam is someone he actually has grown to think of immediately when it comes to his work because they share that similarity. He still doesn't quite understand her entirely but he's come to find he would consider her a friend. He likes listening to her ideas and she makes him think of a few new ones himself. It should also be noted he's probably at Pinch more because of Sophie but he's not using it against Sam herself. So the bottom line really is is that while he wouldn't consider them close or anything she's still a friend and he still keeps her best interests in mind.