"You sure you can handle it?"
I'm not.
I nod anyway.
His smile spreads over his cheeks. "We should start watching the Harry Potter movies."
I have to laugh. "Tease."
He plays dumb. "What did you think I meant?"
"You know exactly what I thought you meant."
He pulls me into his lap. His lips hover over my ear. "You thought I'd offer to use my wand instead of showing you Harry's?"
I nod.
"You're going to have to request that specifically." He drags his lips down my neck. "Unless I hear otherwise, we're going to Hogwarts."
I smile. "Let's do it."
10
Joel
Bella nearly falls asleep on the couch a dozen times. By the movie's end, she's barely able to make her way to the bathroom to brush her teeth.
She shifts into my room and closes the door as she changes into pajamas.
Then she pulls the door open and climbs into my bed.
That's an invitation.
But I meant what I said. I'm not rushing things with her. I'm not fucking her until she's begging me.
Still.
I am going to say good night.
It's a few steps into my room. I flick off the light and sit next to her.
She looks up at me from behind her thick, black frames. Her expression is this mix of apprehension and affection.
And exhaustion.
She blinks and stares into my eyes. "I… thanks for the movies."
I pull her glasses from her face. My fingers skim her temples. Her cheeks. I get lost in the soft purr that falls off her lips as I run my fingers through her hair. "Thanks for dinner."
"It was nothing."
"It was a lot."
She leans into my touch. "Well… you're welcome."
For a second, I consider giving into my body's demands. She wants me touching her. I want her coming on my hand again. It's a win/win.
But she's still nervous.