6. Willow
Chapter Six
WILLOW
The next morning, I wake up the next morning to the feeling of Heath’s tongue flickering between my legs.
Pleasure zings through me, chasing away any lingering sleepiness, and I let out a soft moan.
"Mmm, I wish every morning started like this," I murmur, my voice husky. I reach down and thread my fingers through Heath's hair.
He chuckles, the vibrations making me gasp. "Couldn't help myself, beautiful. You're irresistible." His finger teases my entrance before slipping inside as his tongue continues its mind-melting ministrations.
My back arches off the bed. I'm already so close, my body wound tight and begging for release.
"I could spend all day with my head between your thighs,” he growls. "You taste so incredible.” A second finger joins the first, curling deliciously inside me as his thumb circles my clit.
I cry out, my hands fisting the sheets. White hot ecstasy builds rapidly deep in my core.
"Don't stop, I'm gonna--"
The breath leaves my lungs on a keening moan as the intense pleasure crests and breaks over me in shimmering waves. I tremble and clench around his fingers as he works me through the aftershocks.
Heath crawls up my body, gathering me into his strong arms. I'm boneless and sated, melting against his solid chest.
"That was so hot, Willow," he murmurs, nuzzling my neck. "You drive me wild, you know that? I'm addicted to the sounds you make, the way you move, how perfect you feel. You turn me on so much."
I blush, warmth blooming in my chest at his praise. "You're the one turning me on. That was mind-blowing." I tilt my head to capture his lips in a slow, deep kiss, tasting myself on his tongue.
"You deserve to feel good, baby. I plan to spend a lot of time making that happen." He grins cockily and I can't help but giggle.
"Is that so?" I raise an eyebrow, trying to look unimpressed but failing miserably.
"Absolutely." He pecks my lips once more then rolls out of bed. "I'm going to get started on breakfast. You relax."
I stretch languidly as I watch him pull on a pair of boxers and head to the kitchen. Rolling onto my back, I stare up at the ceiling, replaying last night in my mind.
I can hardly believe I gave my virginity to Heath Donovan. It seems surreal.
But gosh, it was amazing.
He was so gentle and attentive, constantly checking in to make sure I was okay, that I felt good. He took his time, lavishing every inch of my body with attention until I was mindless with need.
I've never felt so cherished, so worshipped. So completely satisfied, physically and emotionally. The way he held me after, whispering sweet praise in my ear... I felt so safe, so adored. So treasured.
Is this what love feels like? The thought flits through my mind, sending a thrill of both excitement and unease through me. It's way too soon for that. We barely know each other. I know I could fall for him, and fall hard.
Maybe I'm already halfway there.
Grinning to myself, I nuzzle into the pillow, inhaling the mingled scents of Heath's cologne and our lovemaking. I let my eyes flutter closed as I doze lightly, the sounds of Heath moving around the kitchen lulling me into a blissful half-sleep. My stomach rumbles at the enticing scent of coffee and the sizzle of bacon but I'm too comfortable to move just yet.
A few minutes later, I wander out to the kitchen, wearing nothing but Heath's discarded t-shirt. It falls to mid-thigh on me, the hem flirting with the curve of my rear.
Heath is at the stove, expertly flipping pancakes. He's donned a pair of low-slung sweatpants but his sculpted torso is still bare. I take a moment to admire the flex of muscles in his back and shoulders as he moves.
Sensing my presence, he glances over his shoulder and nearly drops the spatula. His gaze rakes over me hotly, lingering on my bare legs. "Christ, Willow, are you trying to kill me?"
"Who, me?" I ask innocently, slipping onto one of the kitchen stools. "I'm just here for the pancakes."
He mutters something that sounds like "tease" under his breath and turns back to the stove. A few moments later, he slides a plate piled high with food in front of me.
"This looks incredible, Heath. You've outdone yourself." I pick up my fork and dig in, moaning at the first delicious bite. "Oh my gosh, this is so good. I think I could get used to you cooking for me."
"I plan on cooking for you a lot," he says, dropping a quick kiss on the top of my head as he rounds the counter to take the stool beside me. "Among other things."
The heated look he gives me promises all sorts of delicious wickedness to come. I shiver in anticipation.
"What's on the agenda for today?" I ask around a mouthful of eggs, trying to distract myself from the growing ache between my thighs.
Heath shrugs one muscular shoulder. "I cleared my schedule. I'm all yours."
The simple statement thrills me more than it probably should. The idea of having Heath all to myself, even if only for a day, is beyond tempting.
"Careful, I might hold you to that," I tease, jabbing my fork in his direction. "I have big plans for you, mister."
"Oh yeah?" His lips quirk. "Do these plans involve clothing? Because I vote no."
I roll my eyes even as a laugh bubbles out of me. "You're insatiable."
"Only for you, sweetheart." His gaze gentles, turning serious. "I can't get enough of you."
My heart stutters in my chest. I set my fork down and reach for his hand, winding our fingers together. "I feel the same way. I've never...it's never been like this for me before."
"Me neither." He lifts our joined hands and presses a kiss to my knuckles. "You're something else, Willow. Something special."
Special. There's that word again. And he's right - this thing between us, it is special. Precious. Worth fighting for.
Worth taking a risk on.
"This is nice," I say softly, glancing around the cozy kitchen, the remains of our breakfast spread out before us. "Just being with you like this, talking, having a normal morning together."
"I know what you mean." He strokes his thumb over the inside of my wrist, his touch sending tingles up my arm.
I scoot my stool closer so I can rest my head on his shoulder. He wraps an arm around my waist and pulls me tighter against his side.
"Thank you for not giving up on me," I murmur into the crook of his neck. "For making me safe enough to let you in."
"You make it easy, Willow." He drops a kiss on my hair. "Easier than I ever thought it could be."
We sit like that for a long moment, just holding each other, savoring the quiet intimacy.
"You know, as much as I'm enjoying this," Heath says eventually, a smile in his voice, "I seem to remember a certain someone promising to have her wicked way with me. I'd hate for you to break your word..."
A surprised squeak of laughter escapes me, and I lean back to look at him, one eyebrow arched. "Why, Mr. Donovan, are you trying to seduce me?"
The heat is back in his gaze as it drops to my mouth. "Butterfly, when it comes to you, I'm all about following through."
And then he's slanting his lips over mine, kissing me with an urgency that steals my breath and sets my body on fire. Breakfast sits forgotten as he boosts me onto the countertop, stepping between my parted thighs...
A strange metallic creaking sound suddenly draws my attention upward.
"Did you hear that?” I ask.
Heath glances up too just as a spray of water bursts from the fire sprinkler right above us. I yelp in shock as the icy deluge hits my skin.
"Holy shit!" Heath grabs my hand and yanks me off the counter.
Water pours down, quickly soaking everything in the kitchen.
"Where is all the water coming from?" Panic rises in my throat as I frantically scan the ceiling, half expecting flames to appear.
"Fire alarm must've malfunctioned." Heath's jaw clenches as he surveys the rapidly spreading water damage. "We need towels, fast."
"Towels. Right." I snap into action, adrenaline pumping through my veins as I dash to the linen closet. I grab an armful and rush back, shoving them at Heath. "Here!"
We work in tandem, desperately trying to contain the mess. Heath throws a towel over the stove to protect the electronics while I scramble to cover our abandoned breakfast.
"So much for a relaxing morning," I mutter, feeling my earlier contentment evaporate. Leave it to my shitty apartment to ruin a perfect moment.
The sprinklers sputter and then miraculously shut off.
Heath and I stare at each other, breathing hard, hardly daring to believe our luck. Water drips from the tip of his nose.
"Maybe that's it?" I venture hopefully. "Maybe it's over and everything will be -"
A gush of water explodes from the sprinkler again, twice as forceful as before. It slams into me, knocking me back a step.
"You were saying?" Heath yells over the thunderous downpour.
"Shit, shit, shit!" I watch in dismay as water pours down the walls, soaking into the carpet. It's like someone turned on a fire hose in here. At this rate, my apartment will be flooded in minutes.
Frustration boils inside me, mixing with an edge of hysteria. This cannot be happening. Not now, when things were going so well. I want to scream or cry or throw something.
But Heath is already moving again, all traces of humor vanished. "We're fighting a losing battle in here, Willow. We need to shut off the water main before this place becomes an aquarium."