Answer: hesitated

AnswerCrossword Clue
HESITATEDTook time to think
HESITATEDWas unconfident
HESITATEDDemurred.
HESITATEDVacillated
HESITATEDDidn't act excited maintaining pose for an artist (9)
HESITATEDPaused
hesitatedBe reluctant to do something
hesitatedHESITATE, to hold back or delay
hesitatedPause before saying or doing something, esp. through uncertainty