But in a swift moment, his hand darted out, a barrier between us as he gently covered my lips, halting my advance just before our mouths could meet. The surprise of that gesture caught me off guard, leaving me in a whirlwind of confusion, a blush of embarrassment, and an aching sense of longing that I couldn't quite shake off. Did I completely misread his intentions? Am I really facing rejection here?
He wore a bittersweet smile, a hint of melancholy dancing in his big, warm brown eyes, which glistened as they met mine. "Trust me when I say this isn't a rejection; quite the opposite, really. It just doesn't feel right to let you kiss me after I've offered you that soothing tea meant to help you unwind. It would feel as if I were taking advantage of your vulnerability, like I had slipped something into your drink. If there comes a moment when you wish to kiss me, and you're entirely yourself, I would welcome it with open arms."
