Chapter 14 #2
Over and over again, I work my cock. My balls tighten, and I have to brace myself with my free hand on the shower wall to keep from losing my balance.
My eyes are still closed as I let my mind wander to what it would feel like to be inside her.
To hear her soft moans of pleasure. That’s all it takes.
My back stiffens as my release pours out of me, and I call out for her.
I should be worried she might hear me, but I couldn’t care less.
I want her to know what she does to me. That just the mere thought of her brings me to my knees.
I don’t play games, not when it comes to someone as important as Tessa.
There’s never been anyone like her, not for me.
By the time I make it back to my room, Tessa is sitting on the side of my bed.
She’s wearing a Cougars T-shirt with my name on the back.
The jersey she wore today was similar, but this is different.
This time, it’s my shirt against her skin, and sure, my name was on her back earlier today, but this feels… more.
“All set?” I ask, making my way to the opposite side of the bed. I don’t really have a side living alone. I can take the entire thing if I want, and most nights I end up in the middle. Tonight, though, that will be different. Tessa will have her side. I like that. I like it a lot.
“Yes. Thank you. I wasn’t sure if you prefer a side.” She nods toward the bed.
“No. It’s always just me, so I never have to choose.”
“Well, what side do you take when people sleep over?” she asks, like the words taste bitter in her mouth.
“No one stays here. At least not here in this room with me.”
“Come on, Landon. Be straight with me. I’m not a gentle flower. I can take it.”
“I don’t bring women here, Tessa. Just my mother.
That’s me being straight with you. Look, I know we’ve skirted around this, but just because I was photographed at an event with a woman doesn’t mean I slept with her.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not a saint and have never claimed to be.
This is my home, Tess. My place to just be me.
I don’t bring random women into my sanctuary. ”
“You brought me here.”
I walk back around the bed, and her eyes follow me as I stop to stand in front of her. Bending down, I cradle either side of her face in my hands. “You’re different, Tessa. I want you here.”
“Only me, huh?” A slow smile crosses her face. “So I get to pick my side of the bed?”
I can’t help it. I have to kiss her. Leaning in, I place a loud, smacking kiss on her lips. “Yeah, baby. You can pick your side of the bed.”
She nods. “Okay. Get in.” She stands and gives me a pointed look, telling me she means business.
Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine a spitfire of a beautiful woman would be bossing me around, but here we are. Shaking my head at her antics, I head back to the other side of the bed and climb under the covers.
“You settled?”
“Yes.”
I watch her as she turns out the lamp on her side—well, the side she’s standing on—and the room is bathed in darkness.
I feel the bed dip and the covers ruffle as she climbs beneath them.
I exhale with the knowledge that she’s just claimed her side when I feel her moving, and then her body is right next to mine.
“Change your mind?” I ask her. I can’t see her face, but I know she’s close.
“No.” She lifts my arm and slides under, resting her head on my chest. “I just want to be where you are. We can share a side.”
I’m not sure how to explain it, but it feels a lot like my heart’s tripping over itself in my chest at her words.
This gorgeous, kind, sexy, thoughtful woman has managed to turn me into a romantic fool when it comes to her.
In no other situation, with any other woman, could I ever imagine myself having this kind of reaction to those words.
In fact, I would be running for the hills. Not with Tessa.
“I like this plan.”
“Me, too.”
We lie in total darkness for what seems like hours when in reality it’s a matter of minutes. “Landon,” she whispers.
“Hmm,” I ask as I run my fingers through her thick locks.
“I really want to kiss you.”
“Are you asking for permission?”
“Maybe? I’m not sure what this is or how this works.”
“This is us in a relationship. This is whatever you want it to be. You don’t have to ask for permission to kiss me or touch me.
You’re welcome in my home and on any side of this bed that you want.
This isn’t just something to pass the time, Tessa.
I want to see where things lead with us.
You are the first woman I’ve ever felt this way about.
I’m not letting you go anytime soon.” If ever. I keep that thought to myself.
“Just us, right? I mean, we’re exclusive? I know that sounds crazy, and I feel stupid even asking, but I want us on the same page. I won’t do this if I don’t have all of you.”
“We’re exclusive, and you already have all of me.”
“In that case…” I feel her weight lift off my chest, and her hands roam from my chest, up my neck, until their softness cups my cheek. “Kiss me.”
Not needing to be told twice, I flip her over on her back, causing her to squeal. Even in the dark of the room, my lips find hers easily. I devour her. Her taste is so new yet familiar as I explore her mouth.
Rolling to my side, I continue to kiss her.
My hands roam over her body, but I don’t take it any further than that.
There’s something to be said about making out like teenagers as an adult with a woman who consumes your thoughts.
It’s exciting and innocent, and we need this.
This time to just be together. I’m showing her that this is more, that she’s more.
I don’t know how much time passes us by, minutes, hours, even; we have no concept of time as we get lost in one another’s kiss.
I never knew a night like this would be so…
rewarding. Tessa’s here, in my bed, in my arms, her kisses branding me and mine her.
This is definitely a night for the history books as one I will never forget.