The whole day I spent contemplating if this was too much, too fast. Was I pushing too hard? I didn’t hear back from her until Monday afternoon.
Sorry for the delay. Today was busy. I can’t tomorrow. Friday?
Damn. That was when I’d planned to meet Kelly. Of course, without even realising it my ex-wife was interfering in my sex life. My fingers hovered over the keyboard. I wasn’t about to let a whole week pass without seeing her.
Thursday instead?
I stared at the screen, waiting. It didn’t take long before her response popped up.
I think I can make that work in the morning. Right after drop-off? Maybe I can actually try those bagels this time.
Perfect! I would get her an entire breakfast spread if it meant seeing her again. The week dragged on. Work was relentless, closing deals, putting out fires, and fielding angry calls. My mom called in the middle of it all to berate me about being a “terrible date” to Suzanne’s daughter, Jessica. By Wednesday night, I was spent, but the thought of seeing Natalie the next day kept me going.
Thursday finally arrived, and by 8:30, she was at my door. The sight of her standing there with a hint of nervousness in her eyes made my pulse quicken.
“I only have an hour. Work meetings. Is that okay?” I asked as I let her in, though every part of me wanted to cancel the rest of my day just to keep her here.
“I think an hour will do,” she replied with a playfully coy smile.
We sat at the counter, bagels on our plates, but neither of us made much progress. My eyes kept drifting to her, how she bit her lip as if debating something, the way her foot tapped lightly against the stool. The air between us was charged with unspoken words and mounting anticipation.
Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore. I reached for her hand, and she let me guide her closer, as if she’d been waiting for me to make the first move. Without hesitation, I lifted her onto the counter, my hands sliding to her waist as I pulled her toward me. Her breath caught as I started unbuttoning her cardigan. The sound of her quickened breathing drove me wild.
I couldn’t move fast enough. Her clothes hit the floor in a blur, my hands following the heat of her skin. When I slipped my fingers between her thighs, she gasped. Her body arched into me, already soft, slick, and wanting. The need between us was a fire barely contained, and I was seconds from burning alive.
“I want to take care of you first,” I murmured against her neck. My voice was thick with need. I wanted to watch her fall apart, to feel her come undone beneath my touch. And when she did, when her legs trembled and clenched around me, her breath catching in my ear, it was almost enough to finish me, too.
Her eyes fluttered open, dark and hazy, locking onto mine. In an instant, her fingers tangled in my hair, pulling me down into a deep, hungry kiss. She reached between us, her palm sliding down my stomach, her fingers closing around me.
I gave a low groan as she stroked me, slow at first, then with purpose. Teasing. Testing. My control snapped. I pushed my pants and briefs down my legs, my desire pushing the limits of my restraint.
I gripped her waist, pulling her closer, lifting her just enough to align us before pushing inside. A sharp breathless moanescaped her lips, her body arching and her nails digging into my shoulders. My forehead dropped against hers as we both exhaled, completely lost in the moment where nothing else existed but this—us.
The world narrowed to her body, her sounds, the way she pulled me deeper like she never wanted to let go. It was raw and desperate, a rhythm that built and broke until we both shattered, falling together in the heat of it all.
Afterward, I pressed a soft kiss to her nose, still catching my breath. The air between us was thick. The countertop was cool against our heated skin as she traced slow, lazy circles over my shoulders. She smiled faintly, her cheeks flushed, and how I wished we didn’t have to leave this bubble.
I glanced at the clock. “Shit, it’s 9:20,” I muttered, already scrambling to zip up and get my act together. Reality came rushing back, but all I could think about was how soon I could see her again.
“Call me when you can,” I said, walking her out and kissing her hard. “I’m really falling for you,” I admitted.
Her eyes widened. She didn’t say anything back, but she kissed me once more.
Friday was my meeting with Kelly. I was ten minutes late, which didn’t go over well.
“Glad you could make it,” she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. And not one to beat around the bush, Kelly jumped right in, wasting no time. We didn’t need to prolong this. “I wanted to let you know I’m seeing someone, and it’s serious.”
“Okay,” I replied, already guessing it was this Jeff guy she’d mentioned before. “So, this is with Jeff?”
“Yes,” she confirmed. “I wanted to make sure everyone meshed before telling you.”
“Anything else?” I asked, keeping my tone neutral. She didn’t like that I wasn’t more interested or hurt. I wasn’t sure what she expected from me. “I have to take off,” I said, standing up.
She looked baffled but handed me a gift bag. “This is for Ivy’s friend Bebe’s birthday party on Sunday. I emailed you the location and time. Don’t forget the gift,” she said, her tone clipped.
By the time school pickup rolled around, I was parked, taking a work call. But I spotted Natalie’s car pulling into a spot close to mine. Without hesitation, I ended my call and sent her a text.
Will: Come to my car.
