“That’s what I keep telling myself. But it’s a super competitive program, so even if I’m lucky enough to win the scholarship, I’m probably not good enough for the actual program.”
Anxiety threaded through her words, that overthinker spiral starting to kick in. “Hey.” I tilted her chin up so she’d look at me. “I’ve seen your work. You’re plenty talented, Em. The way you captured that sunlight, the colors you used... that’s not something you can teach. That’s instinct.”
“You really think so?” The uncertainty in her eyes was heart-rending.
“I know so.” I brushed my thumb across her cheek. “When’s the deadline?”
“Two months. Which sounds like a lot of time but really isn’t when you factor in that I’m basically starting three pieces from scratch.”
“Then it’s good my mom’s taking over again. Gives you time to focus.”
“Yeah.” She bit her lip. “I’m still gonna overthink it though.”
“That’s allowed.” I leaned in and kissed her, soft and slow, pouring reassurance into it.
Her eyes were dark and heated when I leaned back. “You know what helps with the overthinking?”
“What?”
“This.” With her hand at the back of my neck, she pulled me in again, kissing me deeply, hungrily, until I was drowning. Then, climbing onto my lap, she said against my lips, “So I might need to come over quite a lot, if that’s okay with you.”
I chuckled. “I’m a strong believer in the arts, so I’m happy to do my part.”
Her answering laugh made my heart squeeze. “I appreciate it.”
She kissed me again, slow and deep, letting the heat build between us. Her hands slid into my hair, and I gripped her hips, pulling her tight against me.
When I was sure she was drenched with need, I slid her shirt up, and over her head before reaching for mine. The air felt cool against my skin for half a second before her hands were on me, warm and eager, tracing the lines of my chest and shoulders.
I took my time unhooking her bra, watching her face as I slid the straps down her arms. Her eyes were dark, pupils blown wide, lips parted as she watched me look at her.
“God, you’re gorgeous,” I murmured, taking my time kissing my way down her neck, across her collarbone. I cupped her breasts, thumbs brushing over her nipples, and she arched into my touch with a soft moan.
“Cam,” she breathed, her fingers threading through my hair again, tugging just hard enough to make me groan.
I took one nipple into my mouth, swirling my tongue around it while my hand worked the other. The little sounds she made drove me absolutely fucking crazy. Her hips were moving against me, seeking friction, and I was already hard as hell just from kissing her.
“I need…,” she gasped. “Please.”
I shifted our position, laying her back against the cushions and settling between her thighs. The new angle pressed my cock hard against her in a way that had both of us sucking in sharp breaths.
“Patience,” I said, even though I was barely hanging on myself.
“Screw patience.” She was already working on the button of her jeans.
I helped her, sliding them down her legs along with her underwear, taking a moment to appreciate the view. Hair spread across the cushions, chest rising and falling rapidly, skin flushed pink from her cheeks all the way down to her breasts, thighs falling open in invitation.
“Beautiful,” I said, running my hands up her legs, feeling the muscles quiver under my touch.
She reached for me, pulling me back down into a kiss that was all heat and urgency. Her legs wrapped around my waist, and I could feel how ready she was, how wet, even through my jeans.
“Off,” she demanded, tugging at my waistband. “These need to be off.”
I pulled back just enough to shuck my jeans and boxers, pulling a condom from the back pocket. Emily watched me the whole time, her hand sliding to her clit and Christ, that sight alone nearly did me in.
I knelt between her legs but didn’t touch her yet. Just watched as her fingers moved, slow circles that had her breathing getting faster, her hips shifting restlessly.
“That’s it,” I said, my voice raspy. “Show me what you like.”
