[He is about as shady as a tree with no leaves. Or branches. Or a trunk.
The kiss ends and he curls up as small as possible (which is not actually that small now that he's gained some muscle) and tucks his head under her chin. It's a slightly awkward position, but there's something soothing and secure about it.
He doesn't plan on telling her that he loves her again in the near future. He doesn't want to make her feel like she's obligated to return it when she's not ready to.