His finger traces a path over my cheek. “You’re sure?”
I think I am.
Before I can nod, he goes on, “I’ll take things slow. If it gets to be too much, you’ll tell me. Alright?”
He’s sensitive to my needs and fears in a way I’ve never experienced with a man before. The other two men I slept with couldn’t get me into bed fast enough. It was the same pattern when we fucked. Their release mattered to them more than anything I was feeling or what I wanted.
I lock eyes with him. “You’re the most understanding man I’ve ever met.”
His hand trails down my face until it cups the back of my neck. “I want you, lilac, but more than that, I want this to be good for you. I want it to feel right.”
Nothing in my life has felt this right before.
Leaning forward, he presses a soft kiss to my mouth. “I’m going to clear the dishes. Why don’t you head to the bedroom?”
He’s giving me a minute alone to gather myself.
I need it.
“I’ll be waiting for you,” I whisper before I kiss him. “Don’t be long.”
CHAPTER THIRTY
Athena
I tookoff my clothes but couldn’t bring myself to drop my bra or panties. It’s not because I’m ashamed of my body. I bought new lingerie months ago but decided to save it for a special occasion.
When I dug the white lace bra and panties out of my dresser drawer this morning, I smiled. I hadn’t remembered that the bra had pink stitching or that it was so soft.
I put it on and twirled in a circle in front of my bathroom mirror. I liked how I looked from every angle. I know Liam will like it too.
I settle in on top of the covers. My back is pressed against the headboard. My legs are crossed at the ankles, and my stomach is doing double flips inside of me.
I want this. There’s no question about that.
Nervous energy is coursing through me in anticipation. The last time I was in bed with Liam, I came apart from sheer pleasure. I don’t know what’s going to happen once he’s inside me.
I feel like this is my first time all over again.
“Hey.”
I look up to find Liam at the doorway to his bedroom. The light from the hallway is illuminating him from behind.
He’s tall and broad and without any doubt, he’s the sexiest man I’ve ever seen in my life.
He tugs the T-shirt he’s wearing over his head as he steps closer to me.
With his gaze pinned to me, he drops his jeans. I wait for the boxer briefs to follow, but he keeps them on.
Standing next to the bed, he rakes me over. His voice comes out low and filled with need. “You’re so fucking beautiful.”
I feel it. He makes me feel it.
The mattress dips when he drops a knee to it. I’m tempted to scoot over to give him room, but I don’t. I stay in place, anticipation ripping a path through me.
I’m already wet and needy.
His hand moves slowly over the blanket until it slides onto my knee. I shiver under the touch. His hand is warm. There’s comfort in the way he circles his index finger over my skin.
