Oh why couldn't he just kiss her for God's sake? The expectations and rules of society had been burnt into his brain and though he chose to break many of them on frequent occasions, he still felt the need to uphold them now, in private and in the company of the Rochester home where he wanted to ignore them like usual.
Well to hell with playing by the rules. Eward moved forward and kissed Katherine lightly at first, gradually deepening it with a soft breath, unable to restrain himself any longer. If it was too much she would say, if it was enjoyable then hopefully she would say too. It was easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.