I had no strength as I released her legs, and collapsed over her.
“What do you do to me?” I said more to myself than her.
“You just did it to me.” She said between heaving breaths.
I managed to lift my head and looked down at her. Her green eyes were sated. She had a lovely flush to her cheeks. My heart rolled in my chest uncomfortably. I straightened and helped her to sit. It occurred to me that she and I had never had sex completely naked. I yearned for that. To be able to be comfortable in a bed and touch every inch of her.
“Petal.”
She stopped adjusting her clothes and put her fingers over my mouth. “Please don’t apologize again Cyrus. I can’t bear it when you apologize.”
I kissed her fingers.
“I’m not sorry, Petal. Unless I’ve hurt you. I never want to hurt you.” I got my pants fastened and then I stepped forward between her bare legs running my hands over her soft skin.
She looked up at me with those beautiful green eyes.
“I can’t seem to stop wanting you,” I said.
“Should I apologize?” she asked, although I couldn’t tell if she was teasing me or being serious.
I shook my head. “No.” I ran my finger down her cheek. “I want to stop trying.”
She frowned. “Stop trying what?”
“Stop trying to resist you.” I swallowed as I prepared to make my pitch. “I…can’t offer you anything right now…so I’m an asshole to ask, but I can’t seem to stop myself.”
“What are you asking, Cy? Friends with benefits?”
I nodded. “I’m sorry…” I stopped myself knowing she didn’t like it when I apologized. “I wish I could offer you more, but I can’t. Not now. It’s not fair to you to ask this.”
“You should be quiet for a minute to let me get a word in edgewise.”
I let out a laugh. “Yes, of course. I’m sorr—”
Her brow arched. I bit my lip.
She let out a sigh. “I know you have a lot going on Cyrus. Here at work. With your mom. I don’t want to add to it. I want to be your friend. To support you through this.”
I waited for her to say, “but, I can’t sleep with you.”
Instead she said, “And I can’t seem to stop wanting you either.”
My gaze jerked to hers. “Really?”
She flashed a smile. “Why does that surprise you?”
“I don’t know. I just…I’ve never done this before and I do value your friendship Petal. If I fuck that up, I don’t know what I’ll do.”
Her palms pressed against my face. “Friends first. Okay?”
“Okay.”
She bit her lower lip. “Does this mean someday we’ll do this in a bed? I’m dying to see you naked Cy.”
I groaned. “I hope to hell so.” But I wasn’t a complete caveman. And my interest in her wasn’t just physical. “Are you hungry? Can I take you out for dinner?”
Her smile was bright. “I’d like that.”