I bring my forehead to hers, feeling her chest rise and fall a little quicker. “This is what I need. You with me, whatever that means. There was a time when you wouldn’t even let me touch you. We will take it one day at a time. I will never ask you for anything you aren’t one hundred percent comfortable with.”
Tears gather in her eyes. “But don’t you—”
“Yes, I want you. I want you so badly it hurts. But I want you even if that means just sleeping in my bed. Just kissing, maybe someday making out.” Her eyes inspect for the truth. “Sex is only one part of a relationship.”
She huffs. “I may be severely broken in that department, but I know it’s a really big part.”
I shrug one shoulder. “I’ve fallen in love with you without it. When we get there, it will only make it that much better.”
“When?” She’s doubtful, but I’m not.
I know how strong and brave she is, and I’ll wait as long as she needs.
“What about kids? I mean, that’s like way in the future, but there’s no point—”
“You and I both know families come in all shapes and sizes. I want to do that with someone I love more than anything. That’s how you make a family. Besides, if I didn’t already know that with my own family, Matt has shown me that.”
She studies me for one quick second, but then her mouth crushes against mine, taking me by surprise, but I catch up quickly.
Her arm moves around my neck, pulling herself to me with the other still tucked between us. I spread my hand over the small of her back, keeping her there.
Her lips part, seeking more, and I slowly glide my tongue across hers, needing the taste I’ve been longing for since she let me kiss her the last time.
A quiet moan escapes her, and I angle her head to do it again. Her fingers dig into my neck as her mouth moves over mine again and again.
I release her, running my lips over her cheek and down her neck. “You smell so damn good, and I’ve missed you so much.”
She lets out a breathy laugh. “I’ve worn your sweatshirt every day. I think it might stink.”
I grin, pressing my lips to hers softly. “There’s more where that came from.”
Her chin dips. “I’m sorry. All I’ve wanted was to talk to you. . .be with you, but I. . . ”
I take her face in my hands. “Ryder, it’s ok to be scared. I want you to trust me enough to believe that.”
Her voice is soft. “It’s gonna take time, but I’ll try really hard.”
I lean down, pressing my forehead to hers. “I love you.”
She lifts her chin, her lips a centimeter from mine. “I love you, too.” She presses to her toes, closing the distance, her mouth moving in sync with mine, slow and careful, but then angling her head, and I take it.
I wrap my arms around her, and she winces, her arm getting smushed between us.
“You ok?”
She presses her puffy lips together, hiding a smile, and nods.
“We keep doing that, and we won’t have any problem tipping into make-out territory.”
She shoves me away but flinches, holding her shoulder.
“Here.” I help her remove her jacket.
She carefully pulls one arm out, then the other.
I set it aside, and she stares at me.
“What?” I move closer, letting my hands fall to her hips.
