He reached out for her hand, taking it in his. She may consider it to forward of him, but he wanted her to know that he cared for her, even if perhaps he wasn't ready to tell her he loved her yet, he did care for her greatly.
"I do not wish for you to feel embarrassed, or worry that I did not like it. I fear I am not experienced in such matters. That was my first kiss. But I am glad to have shared it with you, beautiful Ariel."