“Look at me,” I say quietly. “I want you always looking at me.”
Her eyes lift again, and I’m surprised when she admits, “I thought about you chasing me in it.”
The image slams into my brain so hard I actually curse under my breath.
“Where?” I ask immediately. I can tell she doesn’t understand why she wants something like that, given her past of being hunted by some psycho. It’s different, and I need to find a way to show her that. Everything between us is different, and I want her to enjoy everything she wants to try with me. I’ll give her anything she wants.
Her cheeks turn pink.
She tries to glance away again.
“Tell me.”
“The library,” she murmurs. “At night.”
I let out a slow breath, trying to push the image out of my head before I completely lose control. I will make that particular fantasy become a reality.
“Baby, look at me,” I repeat softly.
She nods obediently, and I love that. I love that we’re creating this bond that we’ll never have with anyone else.
Then she yawns, and the small sound makes me frown.
A tired giggle slips out of her. “That was not a comment on you or what we’re doing. I haven’t been sleeping,” she admits quietly. “I’m just…”
“You need to be tired enough to sleep, and feel safe enough to let it happen,” I finish for her.
I brace myself on one elbow beside her, letting my other hand drift through her hair as I wrap a strand slowly around my finger.
Then I lean down and kiss her.
Soft.
Slow.
Our second kiss ever.
And somehow it feels just as electric as the first.
When I pull back slightly, my voice drops lower.
“Do you trust me?”
She nods without hesitation.
Something warm settles in my chest.
“Will you let me help you sleep, baby?” I press gentle kisses along her shoulder, her collarbone, the soft skin just beneath her tank top, breathing in the faint scent of whatever sweet perfume she wears until it makes my head spin.
When I reach the waistband of her shorts, she suddenly stops me.
“Wait,” she whispers nervously. “I haven’t… let…”
I smile against her hip.
“That’s good,” I murmur. “Because then you won’t know if I’m doing it wrong.”
Her head falls back against the pillow as a soft laugh escapes her.
