I parked the car and we walked hand in hand across the parking lot, letting go only when she needed both hands to open her door. I didn’t like how long it took her to fumble around for her keys at the entrance to her building, but I kept my mouth shut. For the moment, at least.
The second we stepped into Juliette’s apartment, I spun around, taking her with me. I locked the door and pressed her up against it. “You good with that kiss now?”
Juliette nodded, her throat working hard, her eyes wide.
I held her hands and brought them up with mine, caging her in and pinning her in place. I slowly moved closer until my body pressed up against hers, then slowly lowered my mouth to hers, her beautiful eyes growing impossibly bigger until they fell closed.
I kissed her, keeping our hands against the door, away from her tempting curves, feeling her body only with mine. Her tits pressed against my chest, my dick pressed into her soft belly. She moaned into my mouth, and I groaned into hers, and, God, it was hard not to fucking touch her.
After a very long, but not nearly long enough, kiss, I dragged myself away. But only far enough to pull Juliette into my arms. She wrapped her arms around me and rested her head on my chest, where I’m sure she felt my pounding heart.
“Have a good night, baby.”
“Text me when you get home.”
“I will, and I’ll pick you up at ten tomorrow.”
“Okay.”
We’d said all the words to say goodbye, but neither of us moved from our embrace.
“I have to go, Juls.” I smoothed my hand over her curls, tugging gently at the bottom to tilt her head up. She met my gaze, and her eyes fucking glittered. “So beautiful.” I dropped another peck onto her soft lips and stepped back before I wouldn’t be able to.
“Lock the door behind me. Sweet dreams.”
“Good night, Dylan. Thanks for today.”
“Thank you, baby.”
I made myself leave and waited until I heard both locks click before I walked away.
Readingabout dyspraxia was heavy bedtime material. I stayed up half the night going down one rabbit hole after another.
I was in awe of Juliette. It was obvious she’d worked damn hard to achieve all that she had. Her reluctance to go hiking made sense now, and her trust in me to keep her safe meant even more.
So I amended my original plans, and the next morning I took her to Red Oak Trail, a quick, easy, and scenic trail.
“This is beautiful,” Juliette said, playing with the flowers that edged the blanket where we’d sat for a picnic lunch.
“Gorgeous,” I agreed, but my eyes were only on Juliette. I played with the hem of her shirt, teasing her sensitive skin.
“I love it here, but I doubt this is your usual idea of a hike.” I hated the unease in her eyes.
“It’s the best hike I’ve ever been on.”
Juliette just looked at me, a playful but real doubt on her face.
“Seriously. You’re right that I’ve done harder trails, but I’ve never had more fun.”
“Even when I made you stop to watch the birds? And the rabbits?”
“Yep, those were some of those best moments. I love seeing the world through your eyes. I love how you see so much beauty and wonder in the little things.”
The smile that took over Juliette’s face radiated brighter than the sun. I watched as she tried to come up with a response, then she kissed me instead. Sometimes, it wasn’t so bad that she preferred nonverbal communication.
Back at my house,with Juliette curled up against my side, we talked for hours. She told me about work and stories about her, Jenna, and Nicky. She asked thoughtful questions about my family and my work, and she listened attentively, her wandering hands the only sign that her thoughts were somewhat elsewhere. And I was with her on that as well.
I leaned down and kissed her, gently at first, but then she moaned and grabbed a fistful of my shirt, pulling herself closer. “Juls,” I whispered against her mouth as I deepened the kiss.