He'd have been elated with a positive response in any capacity, but the way her grip tightens and her posture softens sends weakness through his knees. A breathless laugh of incredulous joy escapes him.

Hands clasping hers, he closes the narrowing space between them. It's been a long time for him as well, and the warm flesh of her lips feels unbelievably soft and warm. He'd only intended a peck, but he finds himself pressing a little harder, lingering in her touch as his thumbs stroke the back of her calloused hands.

That rogue part of him wants to cup her face, put his other hand on her back and press her to him, kiss along her cheek to the place behind her ear where the hair begins to grow. But he is not so bold, and truly, his heart is already beating so hard that he does not trust himself.