Checking Every Box

* Heather *

Part of me couldn’t believe that this was happening. Part of me felt like this had somehow been written in the stars ages ago and was just becoming true now. Part of me wondered how my mind was able to make any sense of this as so many thoughts swirled around at once.

As I held Steve’s handsome face, kissing him softly, I wondered if he could feel how badly I wanted to give myself to him. It was far too fast. But it was right. It was perfect. And it was somehow meant to be.

When we finally sat back, smiling at each other, Steve took my hand. “I’m glad you’re not scared, sweetheart.”

I couldn’t help giggling. “Are you kidding? I’m terrified. But I’m always terrified of new things. Don’t worry, I’ll get used to it.”

His gaze locked on mine, studying me carefully. “Do you mean a new relationship, or are you saying that you haven’t had a boyfriend before?”

Even though my cheeks flushed with embarrassment, it would be a bad idea to be anything but honest with him at the very beginning. “I’ve never had a boyfriend,” I said.

He pulled me into his lap, kissing me with that fire I felt when we were in the shower stall yesterday. His large hand on my hip held me close. Every time our bodies touched I wanted more. I would have assumed I’d be nervous about physical intimacy, but Steve aroused me so much that I could think of nothing but how much I wanted more.

Everything felt so perfect with him. Natural. Like it was meant to be. Although he was kissing me gently, slowly, my entire body was beginning to tremble with adrenaline and anticipation.

Steve pulled away, dragging his thumb along the edge of my jaw as I felt like I was drowning in his deep blue eyes. “Heather, please don’t be nervous, sweetheart. It’s far too soon for us to go to the bedroom, if that’s making you anxious.”

I exhaled the breath I’d been holding. “I’m sorry, I just… Yes. I’m a tiny bit nervous.”

His warm smile relaxed me completely. “I want to enjoy you, precious. I want us to enjoy each other. We have all the time in the world. If you want me to stop, just say so. But for tonight, your clothes stay on. Okay?”

I nodded, feeling the heat in my hips and thighs burn even brighter now that I knew he understood me.

His lips slanted against mine, our bodies molding together as I gripped his shoulders. He deepened our kiss as our tongues danced together. I could feel his hunger. I’d never felt a man want me like this before, and was shocked at how satisfying it was.

Our kiss grew deeper, animalistic, nearly out of control. His hand slowly slipped into the front of my dress and under my bra to cup my breast. As his thumb swirled around the nipple, I moaned softly into his mouth.

Somehow I fell back on the couch with Steve on top of me. It felt so right, my body beginning to vibrate as it begged for what it truly needed. My entire body quivered shamelessly, chasing his touch as his hands explored both over and under the thin fabric of my dress.

His gentleness made me surprise myself with a soft little moan. I needed more. My legs spread open, wrapping around his hips as I pulled him against me. His heat, his arousal was so strong, so overpoweringly masculine that I couldn’t control the deep primal urge to give myself to him completely.

“Heather, beautiful,” he murmured, sitting back up and pulling me into his chest. “You are the sexiest woman I’ve ever met.” I instinctively closed my eyes, as if that would stop him from staring at me.

“Don’t you dare turn away, gorgeous. You are smart, sweet, and deliciously adorable. When the time is right, I’m going to spread you open on my new bed and nibble you until you squeal.”

I half laughed, my mouth falling open, but he was absolutely serious.

“I’m just warning you in advance so that you can wrap your mind around it,” he chuckled. “Something to think about when you’re falling asleep tonight.”

As he stood up, I took a closer look at the impressive bulge that had been grinding into me a moment ago. It was a little shocking from such a serious man.

“Let me drive you home, sweetheart.”

“Oh,” I said, standing up. “I can just take the streetcar.”

Steve wrapped his arm around me, smiling warmly as he gazed into my eyes. “Heather, you’re my lady now. Let me care for you. I’ll always make sure that you get home safely. I’ll always make sure that you have everything you need. You’ll have to forgive me for being a little overprotective, but it’s just the way I am.”

As we took the elevator downstairs to the parking garage, I asked, “Wait – did you have a car yesterday?”

“No. I bought it this morning.”

“Wow,” I murmured, “You really do like checking things off your list as fast as you can.”

“Only if they’re absolutely right for me,” he grinned, leading me to a deep blue car. It had that beautifully refined elegance of something that was super expensive, but trying not to look pretentious.

He opened the door for me, and as I slid in, I instantly began to laugh. “I’ve heard people mention a new car smell, but I sort of thought it was a joke.”