He was turning a bit red, and had no idea how to respond without sounding like a complete idiot, and so was rather thankful for the returned kiss. This one was far more gentle, and it eased him a bit; not for the gentleness of it, but more the intimacy of it. Felt less like a gesture, and more real.
He let his eyes fall shut a moment as he returned the kiss, moving his hand back up to rest against her side once more, down towards her hip and slightly behind to her back, happy to have her close to him.