“Unlike real life,” Derek said, settling into the blanket nest beside me.
“Exactly. That's why they're perfect.”
We settled in, the movie playing on my small laptop screen, takeout boxes open between us. It should have been uncomfortable, sitting on mats and blankets on a studio floor, but with Derek beside me, it was perfect.
“This is nice,” I said quietly, reaching for another slice.
“Yeah?”
“Yeah. Just us. No hiding. No fear of getting caught.”
“Well, technically, we could still get caught. If the landlord does a random check, or if Sam forgot something and comes back...”
“Derek.”
“Right. Sorry. Ruining the moment.” He wrapped an arm around my shoulders, pulling me against his side. “This is perfect. You're perfect. I'm shuttingup now.”
I laughed, snuggling deeper into his warmth.
We ate in comfortable silence, occasionally commenting on the movie. Derek's hand played with my hair absently, twirling strands around his fingers. His touch was soothing, gentle, with no expectation of anything more.
Halfway through the movie, the food was gone, and we'd rearranged ourselves, Derek on his back, me curled against his side, my head on his chest. His arm was around me, hand resting on my hip. My hand splayed over his heart, feeling the steady thump beneath my palm.
“Can I tell you something?” Derek asked, his voice rumbling through his chest.
“Mmm?”
“I've never done this before.”
“Watched a heist movie?”
“No.” He laughed softly. “This. Just... being with someone. No expectations. No performance. Just existing in the same space.”
I lifted my head to look at him. “Really?”
“Really. With other girls, it was always about the end goal. The hookup. But with you...” He brushed hair from my face. “With you, this is enough. Just holding you. Watching a movie. Sharing food. I don't need anything else.”
“I don't either,” I said softly. “This is perfect.”
“Although,” Derek's eyes glinted mischievously, “I wouldn't say no to more of this.”
He leaned down, capturing my lips in a slow, deep kiss. His hand cupped the back of my head, angling me closer, while my fingers curled into his hoodie. The kiss was unhurried, exploratory, full of promise but without demand.
When we broke apart, both breathless, Derek's pupils were dilated, his lips slightly swollen.
“More of that is definitely allowed,” I managed.
“Good to know.”
He kissed me again, this time his hand sliding under the hemof my jersey, just barely, his palm warm against the skin of my lower back. Not pushing, not demanding, just touching. Connecting.
I sighed into the kiss, my body molding against his. We were fully clothed, on a studio floor, with a movie playing in the background, but I'd never felt more intimate with anyone.
Derek's lips left mine, trailing kisses along my jaw, down to my neck. His stubble scraped lightly against my skin, sending shivers down my spine.
“Is this okay?” he murmured against my throat.
“Yes. Very okay.”
