“The feeling’s mutual.” The words tumbled out before I could think straight. Seeing her naked was making me lose every bit of restraint.
Her breath caught slightly.
“But I’m not built for relationships, Claire,” I repeated. “I don’t come with guarantees. I don’t come with… stability.”
“I’m not asking for stability,” she said. “I’m asking for you.”
The storm cracked outside, lighting the room for a split second. She stepped closer until there was barely space between us.
“If you don’t want me,” she whispered, “tell me.”
I reached for her without thinking. My hands settled at her waist. “Claire,” I warned. But I didn’t let go.
She tilted her face up toward mine. “I trust you,” she said, her lips so close to mine I could feel her warm breath. All I wanted was to claim those lips. Claim her words.I trust you.
I brushed my thumb along her hip slowly, testing my own control.
“You’re sure?” I asked.
“Yes.”
I exhaled slowly.
If I walked away now, I’d regret it. If I stayed, I’d have to be careful. I leaned down and brushed my lips against hers. The spark was instant as she held on to the back of my head, and the kiss deepened into blinding heat. Her tongue came out to lash with mine in some exotic dance that sparked heat through the rest of my body. Her body was pressed to mine now, and I felt the swell of her breasts as I wrapped my hands around her. The kiss was stealing my breath. I was hard as steel, but this girl was a virgin. She deserved better than my hunger.
I pulled back slightly, resting my forehead against hers. We were both breathing quickly. “We take this slow,” I said.
“Slow is overrated,” she countered.
“You’re going to be the death of me,” I murmured.
“Death isn’t what I had in mind, unless you mean by orgasm,” she responded with a playful smirk.
“Claire, slow,” I warned.
“Asher, take off your clothes,” she raised her brows.
I took off my T-shirt and hoodie in one swoop. She took a step toward me and ran her fingers over my chest and down my abs. My breathing was fast as I tried to control my reaction to her touching me. I’d been with a virgin before, back in high school, and it didn’t feel like this.
“Lie on the bed, Claire.” I needed to gain back some control. I needed to take a breath before this girl made me come in my pants.
She did as she was told, and even that was hot.
“Take off your shorts now,” she ordered as if we were playing some little game.
“We aren’t taking turns,” I told her.
She pouted. “Aw, I was liking this game.”
Fuck me. This girl was completely innocent but somehow had seduction down to an art form. I took off my shorts to appease her.
“Um, wow. You’re large. . . I mean, I should’ve expected it, but…” she muttered, but she also giggled.
“I’m not sure what to say now,” I said, feeling completely out of my depth.
“Don’t shy away from me, not when I’m lying here naked,” she said.
I drank her in. “You’re a very beautiful woman, Claire.”