"That's it," he groans, picking up the pace. "Fuck, Claire, you feel—"
He doesn't finish, just drives into me harder, and I'm right there, right on the edge—
"Garth," I gasp. "I'm going to—"
"Do it. Come for me."
And I do. I come even harder than before, my whole body going tight, pleasure crashing through me in waves. I feel him lose his rhythm, feel him thrust deep one more time, and then he's coming too, groaning my name into my neck.
We collapse together; he's heavy on top of me but I don't want him to move. Not yet.
"Jesus," I finally breathe.
"Yeah."
He carefully pulls out and rolls to his side, immediately pulling me against his chest. I go willingly, tucking myself into his warmth.
"Incredible." He kisses the top of my head. "You're incredible."
I look up at him. He's smiling and it transforms his whole face. This is Garth without his armor, without his walls, and he's beautiful.
"I can't believe you thought I hated you," he says softly.
"You're very convincing."
"I'm an idiot."
"You're my idiot." The words slip out before I can stop them. "I mean—if you want to be. I don't want to assume—"
He kisses me quiet. I always talk too much, and being kissed turns out to be an excellent way to make me stop rambling. "I want to be. I want to be yours." His arms tighten around me. "If you'll have me."
"Are you kidding? I've been yours for fourteen months."
He pulls me closer, and I rest my head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat slow. Outside, snow is still falling, blanketing everything in Christmas white. Inside, everything has changed.
"I'm terrified," he admits quietly.
"Of what?"
"Of fucking this up. Of not being what you need. Of losing you." His voice is raw. "I've spent five years alone because it was easier than risking my heart again. And now you're here and I'm terrified because what if I don't remember how to do this? What if I let you down?"
I tilt my head up to look at him. "Then we'll figure it out. Together. That's what relationships are, right? Two people figuring it out as they go?"
"I don't want to hurt you."
"Then don't." I touch his face. "Love me. That's all I need."
He looks at me for a long moment, and I can see something settle in his expression. A decision made.
"I can do that," he says. "I already do."
And lying there in his arms, naked and satisfied and finally, finally his, I believe him.
4
Garrett
Claire is lying on my chest, her breath evening out, her body soft and warm against mine. I can feel her heartbeat where her breasts press against my ribs, slower now, matching mine.
