“Yes. Absolutely. Selena has recommended the same thing.” Della understood the necessity of it, that it might not all be plain sailing and that slow and steady was the best approach.

“Good.” He nodded. “In that vein, number two—we’re just going to start with kissing. Nothing else, just kissing.”

Kissing sounded good. She’d really like to start now.

“Number three—we only progress when you’re absolutely sure you’re ready. And by that, I mean you’re thinking with your head, not your hormones. And yes, I’m going to keep checking in with that.”

“That’s fine, and I know we need to take this slow, but that doesn’t mean you need to treat me with kid gloves, either, Tucker.”

“Maybe…but fooling around is a journey, and it’s important to be okay with every stage of it. All I’m saying is that I’m happy to stop and linger at any stage for as long as you need.”

Della narrowed her eyes. “And I appreciate that. As long as you realize I’m not going to be happy with just some kisses and some groping on the couch forever and ever. I want to go all the way. I want to do everything.”

It was gratifying to see the pronounced bob of Tucker’s Adam’s apple. “Don’t worry. We’ll get there.”

They’d better. But if he dragged this out too long, she’d totally take whatever he’d taught her and use it against him, and to hell with rule number three. She might not be a polished seductress, but she was a fast learner.

“Rule number four—I need you to tell me at any time if you’re feeling uncomfortable or…triggered.”

“Of course.” Her voice softened. “I promise.”

“Thank you.” He smiled at her for long moments. “Rule number five.”

“Hey. I thought there were only four?”

“I’ve just thought of another one.”

“Lucky me.”

“We keep this private, between us.”

“Absolutely. That goes without saying.” Did he seriously think she was going to blab this all around Credence, so Arlo would find out and act all weird? So everyone in town would act weird?

Hard pass on that.

“I don’t like the idea of sneaking around, but I think the transition back to just friends will be easier if every man and his dog isn’t in our business.”

“I agree.” She quirked an eyebrow as she took the three steps that brought her body within a whisker of his. “You done now?”

“Yep.” He nodded. “That’s it.”

“So…” She walked her fingers up his chest, loving that she could touch him freely. “What now?”

He grinned. “You’re going to feed me some lasagna, and then I’m going to kiss you good night at the door and go home.”

She screwed up her nose. “That sounds…frustrating.”