Too fast, too slow?

It's funny how the little things can sometimes matter a lot to some people.

The very first email that S ever sent me had a little 'x' at the end. I didn't think much of it, since she was being sarcastic about the type of woman that my online profile said I was looking for. After a few messages, I started to put 'x's at the end of my emails too. And then my text messages. But when I sent a hurried message yesterday afternoon, I forgot to end it with 'xxx' and she replied wondering if she had said something wrong. I do hope she is not too sensitive about these things.

We have been emailing each other now for two weeks, and I started to think that I needed to get things moving a little quicker. So, over the weekend I sent her an email optimistically asking if we could meet in person sometime this week. She, however, wanted to take things slowly and talk over the phone first. I mentally kicked myself and agreed.

So today she emailed me her home number, and when I got home from work this evening, I called and we spoke on the phone for the first time.

In retrospect, I think I expected someone with more of an accent. She sounds more... educated than I expected. I hope that doesn't sound insulting. She has a very pleasant voice, with little accent, clear, precise diction without being too 'proper'.

Our half-hour conversation (32:06 to be precise) was relaxed, chatty and comfortable. S is very easy to talk to, and I think we'll get along really well. We discussed her day, kids, teaching, cricket... It could have gone on for hours, but I got another call. If it wasn't from my son, I would have let it ring. S has a lovely voice; one I could listen to for hours, and hope to some time soon.

Afterwards, I felt like I knew her a little better. I cannot wait to see her in person.

I really get the feeling, though, that she is warming to me. Not just the 'x's thing, but she sends me good night text messages, and wants me to send her good morning ones. I have no objections to doing so, but it feels just a little intimate to be saying good morning to someone you have never met in person. It feels like it's moving too fast.

Wait a minute, did I just say that?

I am genuinely looking forward to meeting her, but I need to wait until she is ready to take the next step.