Here’s the thing about kissing—you could say someone does it well, but it’s all subjective. A person could say that their partner kisses well because he barely uses his tongue, while another person could think that kisser is awful because he doesn’t use his tongue enough. It’s all about the chemistry and the dance. Kissing is a team sport, a little give and take, making sure that the other person is getting what they want while also taking a little yourself.

With all that said, I was pretty sure Alex was a good kisser no matter who you asked. He wasn’t crazy or hurried; he didn’t overwhelm. He just kind of waited to see what I did, and did the same thing. The kiss was leisurely and smooth, and one of his hands cupped the side of my face as he took it deeper. By the time he pulled away, my head was almost spinning, and I stutter-stepped a little as his hand left my face.

“Well, that just keeps getting better,” he said huskily. He chuckled softly. “Thank you for having me over.”

“Thanks for bringing me dinner,” I replied quietly. “Be careful driving home.”

“Of course.” He leaned forward and kissed the top of my head, and then he was gone.

I stood just inside the door for a long time. Normally I would have watched him through the window, but I was afraid if I had to see him limp toward his truck, I would call him back inside. I wasn’t ready for a sleepover yet. I just wasn’t. I liked Alex a lot, but sleeping with someone was a little more intimate than I was ready for.

Eventually, I moved away from the door and started cleaning up our dishes. My heart was still racing, and my face felt warm from that kiss. He was right—it was getting better. Our first kiss had been spontaneous and sweet, full of excitement but rushed. This one had been slow and smooth. It was like the difference between a lollipop and a piece of expensive chocolate: both had their place, but the chocolate was so much better.

I’d just put our dishes away and straightened up the pillows on the couch when my phone beeped with a text message.

Home. Naked. In bed. ;)

I grinned.

Glad you’re safely naked in bed. How’s the knee?

Swollen.

You should have stayed off of it tonight—you probably made it worse.

Worth it.

I couldn’t keep the giddy smile off my face as I turned off the lights in the apartment, working my way to the bedroom. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d had so much fun just sitting at home without a good book in my hands.