She didn't answer his remark, but she did touch him...hesitantly, first the back of his hand, and then...

It shouldn't have affected him so deeply, but that questing brush of her fingers, the way her hand fit so well to that swell of muscle...the look on her face, it all combined to make his flesh burn beneath her fingers and his breath catch in surprise as she touched him. Catching her elbow with his free hand, he drew her gently against him, his other hand sliding to cup the nape of her neck, still gentle but firm as he leaned in, giving her a chance to draw away, and captured her mouth with his.