Something about this was so familiar, so natural, that Joey felt more comfortable than she had in months. Watching Buck dart about for ice cream and utensils, it seemed like it was the most natural thing in the world to be experiencing, that this was just how things were, like nothing had changed or happened in between. It made it easy to relax, and she found herself smiling warmly as she watched him, content to do exactly that for now.
And then he was sat down, scooped up some of the dessert, and was holding it out for her. She didn’t question it at all, seeing it as just another natural progression, until he asked that question, offered that wager, and she was suddenly very aware of exactly where they were, what had happened leading up to this moment and the pounding of her heart at the thought.
A kiss. Her eyes flicked from his face, to the dessert, then back to his lips. A kiss. She could see how he’d framed it, given her an out, a way to say no without making things awkward, but a way to say yes, to take that step, without the heaviness to it all.
It was just a kiss. Just a kiss, but one that she knew, hoped, might change things.
She didn’t confirm it with words at first, though. Instead, she flicked her gaze back up to his, their eyes meeting. And then she leaned up, arms crossed on the table. She leaned over them and without once breaking that gaze, took the bite from the spoon, wrapping her lips around it. She hummed out a soft noise as she pulled back, keeping it as ambiguous as she could. It was good. Really good, but maybe she could make him sweat just a little longer.
“Hm, I’m not sure. It’s not the worst, don’t get me wrong...” She pursed her lips, feigning thought as she leaned forward gradually again, the distance between them closing even as she tilted her head, pretended to look around. And then, before she could let the heart-hammering, stomach-clenching nerves take her over, she closed that gap and pressed a kiss to his lips. It was quicker than she might’ve liked, a peck really and yet she stayed close, her eyes searching his face for a reaction, for a sign that she should be getting up and getting her shoes. Or maybe a sign for more...