He’s putting the decision in my hands. He’s not being pushy, but he is showing me in small ways how much I mean to him. Actions speak much louder than words, and he’s nailed that.
“How would that work with both of us in the same house? I don’t know that I’d want us sleeping in the same bed just yet. Lexi may have been part of this whole evening by making herself scarce, but I don’t want to move too quickly.”
“Not much would change. Except the fact that I’d be able to be with you. I’m perfectly capable of taking things slow.”
“And if I’m not?” I know myself well enough to know I don’t know how to take anything slow.
“We’ll go at whatever speed you want.”
I’ve wanted to relive that kiss for days. Now’s my chance to do just that.
Twenty-One
Peter
I don’t expect Callie to make a move, but as soon as the words are out of my mouth, her lips are on mine. I can taste the raspberry sauce on her tongue as she deepens the kiss. I’m going at her pace. I wasn’t lying when I said it.
Dinner is all but forgotten as she climbs into my lap. I don’t think I’ve made out with someone like this since I was in high school. But that’s exactly how this feels right now. Like we’re exploring something new and exciting.
My hands roam down her sides before gripping her hips, pulling her closer to me. She moans at the erection evident beneath my pants. The sound does nothing to quell how much I want her in this moment. It’s taking everything in me to push the feeling away.
I didn’t make her dinner to get in her pants. She needs to be celebrated, even with the things that seem to be inconsequential.
Callie climbs off my lap, breaking the kiss. She grabs my hand to pull me up.
“What are we doing?”
“Follow me.” She has a mischievous glint in her eye. One that reminds me of when we were kids, and she was going to talk us into doing something we didn’t want to do.
She leads me to my room and closes the door once we’re inside. This is not how I was expecting the evening to play out. I know Eric gave me a heads up that he’d bring Lexi home around ten, maybe a little before. We have time, but I need to know this is truly what she wants.
“We don’t have to do anything tonight. We probably shouldn’t rush things.” I can’t believe those words came out of my mouth. The last thing I want her to do is regret anything between us. Or worse, treat this like a one-time thing. I don’t want one night with her. I want, need, so many more.
She presses a finger against my lips to stop any more reservations I may throw at her. “Peter, do you have any idea how many times I’ve fantasized about this? Not just the teenage version of myself that ran away to another state when the boy she loved didn’t acknowledge her existence. But also, the nights I’ve lain in this bed wishing you were next to me despite telling myself I couldn’t have you.”
I grab her hand, placing a gentle kiss on the back so I can talk. “I only want you to be sure. If we do this. It’s not just one night.”
Callie moves her hands to the hem of my shirt. “You don’t have to worry about that. I’ve been fighting my feelings for you since you found our dog. I thought I had them buried deep, but all it took was one encounter and I knew I wouldn’t be able to hide them for long. Now make me feel good, please.”
That’s all the permission I need. I let her pull my shirt off. She pushes me backward toward the bed, but I stop her. She wants me to make her feel good, and I’m going to use all the time I know we have.
I place a soft kiss on one cheek then the other. I want to show her how much she should be worshipped. I have a feeling she didn’t get that from her ex-husband. She deserves to be put on a pedestal.
My hands move down her arms until I reach the bottom of her blouse, and I pull it over her head before tossing it to the other side of the room. I reach around and undo the clasps of her bra, my fingers trailing down her arms as I slip it off. She shivers at the touch.
I turn her until she’s against the edge of the bed. She lies back as I undo the buttons on her pants and slide them off along with her panties. They are soaked, and I’m glad I’m not the only one who wants this.
She shrinks into herself as my gaze moves along her body. No doubt worried about what I’ll think. “Don’t hide. You’re beautiful.”
Her cheeks turn a lovely shade of pink as I lean over her. I place kisses along her jaw before capturing her lips with mine. Her arms go around my neck and my hand glides down her side, soft and slow. Her breath catches, and this time a shiver runs through my entire body.
I pull away and she whimpers. Her hands fall to the side as my lips trail down her body. She gasps as I hook her legs over my shoulders. “Is this, okay?” I don’t want to do anything she isn’t comfortable with.
“Yes.”
I run my tongue along her clit as I slide a finger inside her. Her hand is in my hair as I pick up speed. Her body quivers beneath me and I know she’s close. Her grip tightens and her thighs squeeze my shoulders. This is my new favorite flavor, which I hope I will have for the rest of my life.
Her body stills. Her legs fall off my shoulders, limp. I stand and undo the button of my jeans before sliding them down. The nightstand drawer squeaks as I pull it open to get a condom. I need to fix it, but that’s a problem for another day. Right now, my focus is on Callie.
