Ain't No Sunshine

The moonlight shines brightly on her skin, and her eyes twinkle like the stars. Her long hair falls down toward the ground and dances around with the welcomed breeze. I’ve never seen anything more perfect in my life.

She sits up again and pushes off the ground to put the swing in motion until I step in behind her, and take over the movement, gently pushing her through the air.

The moment reminds me of the night we first got to know each other, and I can’t help but smile at how far we’ve come. It honestly feels like we’ve been in each other’s lives forever, even though it’s been less than two months.

I know why I did it, but I can’t believe I wasted so much time thinking about her without ever making a move. This girl has fast become my world, my everything. My heart spikes at the thought of spending forever with Cory, and a warmth I’ve never felt before takes over me.

I slow the swing and pull it to a stop. Cory lays back to look at me over her shoulder, and I stare down at her in awe. I know I’m in love with her, but this feels like something bigger.

Leaning down, I take her lips in mine, gripping the swing to keep her from falling. She sighs into my mouth and then opens hers so I can slip in my tongue.

Cory sucks my tongue further into her mouth and moans when one of my hands grips her jaw to deepen the kiss. A kiss that is slow and passionate and full of emotion. When we’re both almost out of breath, she breaks away and rises to her feet. “You, Nate Edwards, are an excellent kisser.”

I smile and walk to the front of the swing, pulling her up to standing. I brush a hair away from her face and press my lips to hers once more. My heart pounds so hard, I’m surprised it’s not moving my shirt. “Cory,” I rasp. “I’m so fucking in love with you I can’t see straight.”

She laughs nervously and buries her nose into my chest before mumbling something back.

“Sorry, I didn’t catch that.”

She pulls back and looks into my eyes. And my soul. Her cheeks are flushed, and I’m not sure if it’s leftover from our passionate kiss or if she’s embarrassed about something. I’m about to ask when she says, “I’m so fucking in love with you, too.”

My heart cracks in two at her words, and I’m ready to hand over the half that now belongs to her.

I smile, pressing a kiss to her forehead, and sway her back and forth to the non-existent music. We stay like that until Cory looks up at me through her long lashes. “Take me home, Nate.”

Her words are simple, but combined with her expression, I see the deeper meaning.

Tonight’s the night.

As we walk home, I smile at the memory of her confession and suddenly realize the reason for her embarrassment. That’s the first time she’s said fuck around me, and that makes it so much more meaningful.

When we get back to Cory’s place, Summer isn’t home, which shouldn’t surprise me, considering it’s a Saturday night. I walk straight into the kitchen, making myself at home. “Can I get you a drink?” I ask, helping myself to the contents of the fridge. Cory shakes her head and eyes me curiously. Like I’m acting strange. Am I?

Her expression quickly turns to one of lust, and I swallow a lump in my throat, suddenly nervous. Or maybe not so suddenly. We’ve fooled around before. That look in her eyes isn’t anything new, and yet… it is. I knew what she wanted the second she asked me to take her home. The question is… why does that make me nervous?

Maybe it’s because we said I love you and everything feels deeper, or maybe it’s because I almost tore apart two people tonight and I’m still feeling possessive. For whatever reason, instead of doing what we both want, I try to slow down and say, “Want to watch a movie, or listen to music, or—”

Cory cuts me off by launching herself at me and crashing her lips to mine.

“Or this,” I mumble against her mouth. “We can definitely do this.” Okay, so this isn’t slow, but it’s so much better.

Cory laughs as I pick her up honeymoon style and carry her to her room. Once inside, I pull away before lowering her feet to the ground and taking a step back. “I want to do this right and go at your pace. Just tell me what you want.”

She smiles before her expression turns serious. ”I want you. Now,” she rasps and then lifts her top over her head to reveal a black lace bra underneath. I swallow as I blatantly check her out. “Fuck, you’re beautiful,” I say, wanting nothing more than to devour her.

Cory reaches for the button of her jeans but takes her time, giving me a chance to take over. I’m focused on her hands, torn between wanting to help and wanting to watch the show. But when the zip makes its way down, offering me a sneak peek at her panties, the need to touch her wins out.

I reach over and remove her hands, replacing them with mine. I take my time sliding the jeans down her legs, placing kisses on her stomach and thighs as I go. Cory watches my every move, looking like she wants to eat me. Fuck, it’s hot.

I kiss my way back up her legs and then lift her up again, lowering her onto the bed. She pouts, and I can’t help but laugh at her expression. “If you touch me the way I just touched you, this will be over really quickly.”

She laughs and motions for me to get a move on and then bites her lip as I strip off my clothes.

When I’m naked in front of her, I pause and stare down at her gorgeous body before meeting her eyes. “Tell me what you want, Cory.”

Without saying a word, she slides her panties down and opens her legs in invitation.

“Fuck!” I groan at the sight in front of me as my heart beats out of my chest. I don’t dare waste another minute, quickly sheathing myself and lowering on top of her. When we’re almost completely connected, I stop and hold my weight above her.