And smitten sap that he was, he wanted to accept.
"Good enough that I'd like to experiment a little more.” An impish grin covered her face.
"Experiment?" He stopped advancing on her.
The word was like cold water in his face. He didn't want to experiment with her. He wanted to pick up where they left off three years ago. He wanted a promise of forever, even though he didn't warrant it, because Riley deserved better than him.
She gave a stiff shrug. "I figure with a little practice, I can handle longer, more passionate kisses."
Practice? Habitually doing something to become perfect at it.
He and Riley didn’t need to practice kissing to become perfect at it. They’d mastered that skill years ago, but he liked the idea of long, passionate kisses with Riley. Maybe experimenting wasn't such a bad idea after all. He'd hate himself if his kiss ever triggered her though.
"What kind of experiment do you have in mind?" He stepped toward her again.
She grinned as she retreated another step. "Last night you thought kissing me was a bad idea."
"I still do, but it turns out..." He took another step. "I like kissing you, Pockets."
Her next step back brought her up against the trunk of a decades-old oak tree. She jerked a shoulder forward when the rough bark pressed into it.
He closed the gap between them and brought his hands to her waist.
"I like kissing you too, Tarzan." Her hands came up to rest on his bare chest, sending all kinds of warm and fluttering sensations shooting through him.
He leaned in, tilting his head.
Her whole body went rigid before he could press his lips to hers. Her smile vanished, and her eyes widened. She sucked in a sharp breath. Then suddenly, she tapped repeatedly against his chest.
"Wait! I can't!" She barely got the words out before pushing him with both hands.
He took two steps away and swore under his breath. He should have known better. Just because they'd shared one good kiss didn't mean she was ready to make out under the oak tree.
"I'm sorry, Ri." He scrubbed at his jaw. "I didn't mean to pressure you."
She pushed away from the tree, pressed a hand to her stomach, and took several deep breaths.
"I knew this was a bad idea." He shook his head. "I'm such a selfish jerk."
"Daniel, it's all right." Riley turned toward him. "I'm fine. Really."
He studied her face, looking for the panic that was there a moment ago. Nothing. Her face was as beautiful as ever.
"I felt a little trapped there for a moment with my back up against the tree, but it has passed." Her lips curved up. "The fact you were about to kiss me wasn't the problem, believe me." Now she was the one who advanced on him.
He retreated a step, still certain this was a bad idea, but wanting more than anything to hold and kiss her.
"We're making progress already." Her smile grew. "We've learned that I can't handle being pinned against anything so...." She advanced again. "We just need to find a different approach."
He stepped back again, suddenly finding himself in the position Riley was moments ago, with his back against the oak tree. "You should give yourself more time."
She shook her head. "I want to kiss you now. Here. Under this maple tree."
"It's an oak tree."
"I don't care. I still want to kiss you." She stepped closer, planting both slippered-feet between the narrow stance of his boots.
Unable to resist her, he widened his stance. The movement brought his back down lower against the tree and his face down to her level. "I don't think?—"
