Elena did love him. But she still loved Stefan as well. But she got this feeling if she admitted that right now, Damon may end up doing something regrettable.
Either way, she had done it. She'd finally said it out loud, what she knew had been brewing inside of her for a long time now. He was touching her again, his hands on her face as he studied her eyes intently. Her lips parted as he leaned enticingly close and then they were kissing.
Making a quiet sound against his lips, she reached up as well, hand burying softly in the back of his hair and holding on as their mouths worked together. He tasted delicious, a hunt of bourbon and the rest just Damon. The passion built between them transferred into this kiss, leaving her feeling weak in the knees and dizzy.