A breath? she asked. She didn't want to kiss just any wooden man. He looked nice enough, but he might not be like his looks. A kiss seemed very forward. He might remember it, and make assumptions.
In this excerpt, a character expresses hesitation about kissing a wooden man, emphasizing her concern about the nature of the gesture. She is reluctant because she does not want to kiss anyone just because they appear appealing; she worries about the implications of such an intimate act. The concern highlights her awareness of potential consequences and the importance of genuine connection over superficial appearances.
She also considers the possibility that the wooden man might not be what he seems beyond his outward look. The act of kissing, which she views as somewhat bold, could be remembered and lead to misunderstandings or assumptions. Her cautious approach reveals her desire to be thoughtful and careful in her interactions, even when faced with something or someone that seems inviting.