"Betrayed by my own cat," Nora sighs, shrugging off my jacket. The sight of her in it did something primal to me all evening. Now, watching her hand it back, I'm struck by how much I want to see her in my clothes again. "He likes you better than me."
"Not possible," I say, hanging the jacket on a hook by the door.
When I turn back, she's standing in the middle of her living room, illuminated by a single lamp, looking simultaneously brave and uncertain. The air between us feels stretched thin, like it might snap at any moment.
"Devin," she says softly, and it's all the invitation I need.
I cross to her in three strides, cupping her face in my hands. "Tell me to stop, and I will," I murmur, searching her eyes.
In answer, she rises on her tiptoes and presses her mouth to mine.
This kiss is different from those by the bonfire. There's no hesitation now, just hunger and heat and the intoxicatingknowledge that we're alone. Her arms wind around my neck, pulling me closer, and I slide my hands down to her waist, feeling the generous curve of her hips beneath that perfect sweater.
She makes a small sound against my mouth when my fingers dig in slightly, and I swallow it greedily, deepening the kiss. I walk her backward until she bumps against the wall, never breaking the kiss, using my body to pin her gently in place.
"Is this okay?" I breathe against her neck, trailing kisses down the column of her throat.
"Very okay," she gasps, her head falling back to give me better access. "More than okay."
I smile against her skin, nipping lightly at the junction where neck meets shoulder, and she shudders. I slide one hand beneath her sweater, tracing the warm skin of her waist, feeling her tremble at my touch. Each point of contact burns in the best way.
I press closer, letting her feel exactly what she's doing to me, and her eyes widen, pupils dilating until they nearly swallow the warm brown.
"Bedroom?" I suggest, barely recognizing my own voice.
She nods, grabbing my hand and leading me down a short hallway.
In the soft lamplight, she turns to face me, suddenly shy again. I see the flicker of vulnerability cross her face, a brief shadow of insecurity that makes me want to worship every inch of her until she never doubts herself again.
"You are so beautiful," I tell her, meaning it with every fiber of my being.
She blushes but doesn't look away. "You're not so bad yourself, quarterback."
I step closer, tugging gently at the hem of her sweater. "Can I?"
Her answer is to raise her arms, allowing me to pull the sweater over her head. Beneath, she's wearing a simple black bra that cradles her full breasts perfectly. My mouth goes dry at the sight of all that smooth, pale skin, the gentle curves of her waist and hips.
"Your turn," she says, fingers playing with the buttons of my shirt.
I help her, pulling the shirt off in one smooth motion, and her sharp intake of breath is the best compliment I've ever received. Her hands come up to touch my chest, tracing the planes of muscle from years of the game.
"Not fair," she murmurs, eyes roaming my torso. "You look like... that. And I look like me."
"Exactly," I say, catching her hands and pressing a kiss to each palm. "You look like you. That's what's driving me crazy."
Before she can protest, I slide my hands around to the clasp of her bra, waiting for her nod before unhooking it. The garment falls away, and I nearly groan at the sight of her bare breasts.
"Perfect," I breathe, cupping their weight in my palms.
She shivers when I brush my thumbs across her nipples. "Devin..."
I lower my head, taking one peak into my mouth, and she gasps, her fingers tangling in my hair. I swirl my tongue around the sensitive bud, reveling in the way she arches into me, seekingmore. When I switch to the other breast, she moans, the sound shooting straight to my groin.
"The things I want to do to you," I murmur against her skin.
"Yes," she says simply. "All of them."
We tumble onto her bed, a tangle of limbs and half-removed clothing. I help her shimmy out of her jeans, revealing lacy black panties that match her bra. The contrast against her pale skin is maddening.
