You didn’t expect it to feel like this.

You’d both stepped out of the restaurant into the cool air, still full from the chef’s special vegan tasting menu Chris insisted on ordering — after canceling his steak, mind you, because “kissing a vegan woman with cow-breath felt criminal.” He’d said it so matter-of-factly, like that kind of thoughtfulness was just part of who he was.

You thought you’d play it cool, thank him for a great night and part ways with a cute wave or something equally casual.

But then he walked you to your car. And lingered.

You turned to face him, keys in hand, and he was already watching you like you were the most interesting thing he’d seen all night — like the stars overhead didn’t exist.

“So…” you murmur, voice softer than you meant it to be.

Chris steps closer. Just enough to make your breath catch.

“I had a really good time tonight,” he says, brushing a loose strand of hair away from your cheek. His fingers trail just barely across your skin and your knees threaten to give out.

“Me too,” you manage, and then your voice dies out as he leans in.

You know what’s about to happen. And still, when his lips finally touch yours, it sends an unexpected jolt through you — hot and slow and impossibly gentle. His hand cradles your jaw, thumb brushing softly just beneath your ear, anchoring you to him like you might float away.

He kisses you like he means it — not to impress, not to overwhelm, but to learn. It’s exploratory. Careful. Deep, but not rushed. Your lips part for him on instinct and he follows, tasting, breathing you in, like he’s been waiting for this all evening.

And you—?

You melt.

When he finally pulls back, your eyes are still half-closed, heart thundering like it’s trying to leap out of your chest. He stays close, forehead almost against yours, a small, satisfied smile tugging at his lips.

Then it hits you.

You blush. Not cute, subtle blushing. Full-on flushed, ears-warm, look-down-at-the-ground blushing.

“Oh my god,” you whisper with a soft laugh, stepping back half a pace and hiding your face in your hands.

Chris blinks. “Did I… do something wrong?”

“No, no,” you say quickly, peeking at him through your fingers. “You did everything right. I’m just—” you exhale. “Wow.”

His eyes light up with something warm and proud. “You’re flustered,” he teases gently.

You nod. “I’m not used to… this.”

“To kissing?”

“No, to you. You’re like, nice. And attentive.” You gesture vaguely toward the restaurant. “You ordered a whole plant-based dinner. You changed your meal just because you knew I wouldn’t eat meat. And you didn’t make a big deal about it. Guys my age barely remember my last name after a drink.”

Chris chuckles, stepping closer again, hand brushing yours. “That’s a low bar, sweetheart.”