I did not hesitate to deepen the kiss, but I maintained a gentleness with it as well, not pushing aggression as I had before. Even so, it did not fail to spark my desire for her, a warmth that spread within me as I pushed my hand back into her hair.

It was true I wanted more from her, much more. But I was at war with myself, and I needs must becalm the turmoil within me before I could make another attempt. So while the desire was there, and I was acutely aware of it, I did not try for anything further than this - a kiss, deep but slow, my fingers threaded into Kate's hair.