“Do you know what you do to me?” he groaned, one hand resting on the back of her head. He didn’t exert pressure; it was about connection.
“I have some idea,” she said, taking a firm hold and taking him into her mouth. She stroked him deep into her throat, inand out, making him cry out each time. He was hard like steel and smooth like silk. Another rush of heat shot through her. She’d never ached for someone to be inside her so badly—it had become a need, not a want. Still, she continued to stroke and suck, but with her other hand, she touched herself. She was still wet.
“Isaac, do you…?” Her voice trailed off as he rolled away and reached into the drawer beside his bed.
“Condom. Now.” He reached for the box and removed a packet, ripping it with his teeth. With shaking hands, he unrolled one onto his length while she watched, unable to look away.
Lying beside her, he kissed her again, his mouth relaxing her like magic. When he rolled on top of her, he looked her in the eyes and smiled as he slid inside her. She gasped at the pressure and thrust her hips against him to take more, stretching to fit all of him. She’d never been this in tune, this close to anyone.
It should have been awkward. It was their first time having sex with each other, and they shouldn’t know how each other’s bodies fit, but somehow, it was instinct—everything worked. They moved together. Slow at first, then faster and deeper, each thrust bringing them closer to bliss. The world faded again, leaving Anna with the feeling of being cherished, her body worshipped. Sparks flickered against her closed eyes, and she cried out.
“Oh yes, come for me.” Isaac’s voice was raspy. He, too, must be on the brink.
She shivered all over, her body obeying his words, heat flooding through her. Seconds later, he cried out and came too, thrusting into her with abandon as they rode their climaxes together.
A minute or two later, when she’d caught her breath, she said, “The tour was excellent.” Isaac rolled away with a laugh.
“You don’t think you’re funny.” He stroked the hair from her face. “But I like your humor. You’re fun to be around.”
“My brain’s a little different.” Her voice tightened. How would he react to being told she was on the spectrum?
“That’s what I like about you.” He caressed the flare of her hip. “Your skin is like silk.” He kissed her again, this time soft and slow. “You aren’t like anyone else I know.”
“I have a diagnosis for that,” she said. “Autism spectrum disorder. ASD, for short.” With her guard down, she blurted the first thing on her mind. She tried not to cry as she waited for his reaction, her chest aching. What if telling him brought this relationship crashing to a premature end? She didn’t think Isaac would be like that, but it was always a fear.
“Big words that just mean you’re smart, unexpected, and forthright,” he said. “If you want to talk about it, I’m happy to listen, but it changes nothing. Even if we only met two weeks ago, I’ve never been more interested in anyone. I haven’t dated a lot because too many women I’ve met are superficial or phony. I love that you’re an open book and that this…” he motioned between them, “is easy and comfortable.”
It was true. She and Isaac had a connection that went beyond the physical, and it wasn’t hard work. She smiled. Isaac felt it too. Perhaps they’d been meant to find each other at this exact time in their lives.
Though Anna had never wanted to talk to anyone else about it, over dinner she told him about struggling to fit in, her distress in social situations, and what could happen sometimes when she was overwhelmed. How would he react to a meltdown? They were no longer common, but they happened.
He listened without speaking, waiting until she finished, then he kissed her again. “Promise me that if you’re overwhelmed, you’ll tell me. I’ll do what I can to help, even if it’s just to find you somewhere quiet to recuperate.” His warm eyesmet hers and his unexpected offer snapped another piece of their puzzle together.
He didn’t seem bothered by anything. How had she gotten so lucky?
CHAPTER 8
Isaac
Anna’s revelation about her diagnosis didn’t faze Isaac as he lay in bed later that night, Anna sleeping next to him. Nor had it been much of a surprise. He looked over to where she slept. She’d rolled onto her side, and he rested his hand on her hip, liking the feel of her naked in his bed. He could get used to this.
His best friend growing up had been on the spectrum, and some of Anna’s quirks were similar. It didn’t bother him. She liked to know plans and follow a routine, though tonight, she’d shown she could also be spontaneous. Looking forward to tomorrow, he drifted off to sleep.
...
Golden sunlight streamed through the seams of the blinds when Isaac woke with a smile to find Anna sitting up and reading his copy of one of their books from his bedside table. Seeing his eyes open, she marked her place with her finger and closed the book.
“Will you please drive me back into the village this morning? I hadn’t planned to spend the night,” she said. “And I have nothing clean to wear today.”
He’d found her a spare new toothbrush last night, but she needed clothes–among other things—if he was going to enact his plan. He hoped to convince her to stay another couple of days while Vince was away. Now that she was here, he didn’t want her to leave because he didn’t know when they’d have the house to themselves again. He relished the peace and beauty of Cervera and wanted to share that with her. Maybe he could help her fall in love with Spain enough to stay longer than the MotoGP season.
“I can run you down to the Inn after breakfast,” he said, his words coming out slowly. He rested his hand on her arm, feeling her warmth. “If you like, you could pack a bag and stay here for the weekend while Vince is away.” He held still and let her process his suggestion.
She chewed on her lip, hesitating. “I won’t be in the way?”
He sat up next to her. “Never. We could spend the weekend together. I can take you for a ride on one of the old dirt bikes with a double seat. I have a spare helmet you can use.”
“What about your training?” She didn’t quite meet his eyes as she fidgeted with the edge of the sheet, running her finger along the piping near the top.
