"No, really." It was then that he took the chance. He slid his hand along the small of her back, as she looked back at him her eyes widening in something like mild alarm. The die was cast, so he had to follow through come what may. No time to think about her response, just hope and act. He stepped closer and his lips touched hers. He could feel her shoulder against his chest as his hand tightened on her hip, his other hand pulling her a bit closer. Just a closed kiss, but the softness was so inviting he paused only slightly before kissing her harder, his tongue pushing past to dance with her own. A part of him was surprised that instead of pushing him away, she leaned back, then slowly turned while they kissed, each kiss a little longer than the last. He loved how she tasted, and how she responded to his passion in kind with her own. This was better than he imagined. .....