“I’ve loved you for a long time, Josh,” I said. “Don’t make me regret it.”
“I’ll spend every day making sure you don’t.”
Another kiss, another touch.
At some point, the sweater I had borrowed from Gina ended up on the floor, leaving me in my bright purple bra. The back of my legs hit the edge of the bed. Josh guided the way, and I was only wondering how we weren’t already on it as I lifted a knee to wrap around his hip.
“Are you sure?”
“Are you sure?” I asked right back. “Because I’m sure. I’m done not being sure. I’ve never wanted anything more than you right now. I’ve never wanted anyone as much as I want you, Josh. In case I haven’t already spilled my entire heart open for you more than a couple of times, whatever happens, I’m going to choose you. I don’t need any more dates. You’re it.”
I couldn’t help it. Even though I was breathless, I laughed.
Smiling right along with me, he nodded.
His hand reached up to cup the side of my face, and he kissed me hard again before breaking away. “I am sure. More than sure.I want you so bad, Brielle. I want you more than I’ve ever wanted anything.”
I took his thin sweater in my hands and pulled it over his head.
I went for his belt next.
He followed my lead with an easy swipe, releasing the hooks on my bra and the button on my suddenly-too-tight jeans. Air hit my chest, and my nipples hardened as he licked his lips.
“I’ve wanted you for a long time. And I’ve been patient. But please, if you have any mercy on my stupid self after all this time, don’t make me wait any longer.”
Twisting me so that I straddled his legs, he pulled me tight against him. I felt his length rub against me, and I gasped at the sensation. The rest of my body was in a state of shock still, thrilled and excited and unbelieving that this could possibly be happening.
My hands shook as I braced myself on his chest.
“Take me, Brielle,” he said. “Be the brave one between the two of us. You always have been.”
“Condom?”
He smiled. “Top drawer.”
He reached out, and the nightstand drawer opened with a creak much louder than either of us expected. He shuffled his hand around inside until he found a box that looked like it hadn’t been touched in a long time.
“Are those even still good? They look like they are from high school.”
Flipping the package around, he nodded. “Not that old. And success. Not expired. Thank God. Looking for a way out?”
I shook my head, reaching out to drag him back toward me by his belt loops. “Trying to make you move faster.”
Luckily, Josh didn’t struggle as he stripped me the rest of the way and let his own jeans fall to the floor with them. He openedthe foil package and slipped the condom onto himself, letting my hands guide him.
He groaned, “I need all of you.”
“You’re going to have me.”I’m going to have you.
Would it be appropriate right now to say,Once and for all, finally?
Josh’s eyes locked with mine as he positioned himself between my legs. His gaze was intense as he let out a deep breath. He tenderly traced the contours of my face before leaning in to softly kiss me once more, his lips lingering gently on mine. “I don’t know how long I’m going to last with you.”
“I don’t care,” I whispered.
We didn’t need to be loud anymore. There was such little space between us, and the only noise I was focused on wasn’t the party downstairs, but the heavy thrum of Josh’s heartbeat in his chest, which I rested my hand over.
“I just want you.”
