She peers up at me from beneath her lashes. “You think?”
“Yes.”
“Maybe we could go to one together?”
“Would you like that?”
“I think I would very much.” She steps closer to me. “The real question is, would you?”
Yes. My mind screams the answer, but my tongue is tied.
“It’s okay if you don’t want to. I didn’t mean to put you on the spot.”
“I-I think I’d like it, too.” I step closer, seeking her warmth. She presses against me with her weight. “It’s easy to talk to you.”
“I’m glad you feel that way.
“That’s rare for me.” I swallow. It’s always better to get things out in the open. “I have Asperger’s.” I watch her face.
“I figured it might be something like that.”
“You did?”
“Someone I love very much has it also, and while no two Aspies are the same, you have similar mannerisms.”
I blink. I wasn’t expecting this response. “Want to see some more history of the airport?”
“Yes.” She slips her hand into mine and locks our fingers firmly.
Warmth spreads through my body as we explore and learn together. We stop at the end cap of the gate, watching the snow coming down in the reflection of the lights outside.
“It’s so beautiful out there. It’s easy to forget how much chaos it can bring.”
“I like my view better,” I say, drinking in her face.
“Sam?”
“Yes.”
“I’d really like it if you kissed me.”
“I-I’d like that.” An invisible pressure pushes down on my chest. Wanting something and doing it were two different things. Thoughts exploded in my mind. All the things that could go wrong taunted me.
She grabs my hand, grounding me in the present. Cupping her cheek, I bend down and brush my lips against hers. She parts her lips, and I deepen the kiss, tasting sweetness. Feeling her tongue slick against mine wakes a hungry beast inside of me. More. My hand moves down her face to cup her neck.
I press my thumb over her pulse point, feeling the rhythmic beat of her heart. I tighten my hold slightly, and she moans. The control she’s giving me has me rock hard. I move her back against the cool glass of the wall, covering her body with my own. She tilts her hips up, cradling me. Her fingers dig into my hair and tugs. Growling, I nip her bottom lip and move down her neck, tasting her salty flesh. I want to mark her. Sucking on her pulse point, I brace my hands on either side of her head. Her leg hooks around my own, and she wraps her arms around my neck. Lifting up, she wiggles against me. I freeze.
“Too much.”
She stills. “Better?” she asks, panting as she squeezes my shoulders.
“Mmmhmm.” I’m buzzed, drunk off the intense emotions she invokes. She rests her head on my chest and want swells inside of me. I want to keep her, make her mine, keep her safe and happy. It’s exciting and frightening. I haven’t had a real relationship in years. They used up so much energy and never seemed to work out. Yet here I was, ready to do what it takes to keep this woman at my side. Removing her leg, she stands, and I take a step back, resting my forehead against hers.
“Is this real?” she whispers.
“Yes.”
“I don’t want to leave here tomorrow and never see you again, Sam.”