Page 96 of Goode Tidings

"Get rid of that shirt," Eden instructs. I've never listened so fast. I'm not sure where the shirt lands, but I hear the soft swish of fabric. Eyes on mine, Eden drags a fingernail from hip point to hip point. A shudder rolls through me, hips slightly bucking.

She hums, amused, then hooks her fingers into my sweats. "You'll tell me, won't you?" She pulls the fabric down my thighs.

"Tell you what?" I rasp, watching myself bob beside her mouth.

She blinks up at me, wide-eyed. Playfully innocent. What a sight. "You'll tell me if it stops being ok for you?"

I think she's teasing me, but she might be a little serious, too. And I appreciate it, I really do. But I'm fucking ready to watch the woman I care about make me feel like flying.

My answer is, "Open your mouth, Eden." Her response? It's warm and wet on me.

I let out a whimpering little groan, tipping my head back. She sets a languid pace, almost decadent. Eyes clenched, I reach for her head, finding the elastic tie bound around her hair, and free her gorgeous dark locks. My hands slip through her silky hair, just like I wanted. Just like I pictured during those sleepless nights in that sorry excuse for a bed.

Eden stills, and I look down. "You look— Fuck. Beautiful."

She nods her acceptance of my compliment, her cheeks pink.

"Can I make it rougher?" I ask. "Not for long."

She nods again, and there's the slightest lift to her cheeks. She's smiling.

My hands find the back of her head, holding her in place. Her palms grip my thighs, holding on, as she lets me increase the pace. The intensity.

I stare at her, watching her do such a good job. My thumbs stroke her temples. The heat and lust builds in my chest, and before it becomes too much, I force myself to slide out.

Eden sits back on her heels, hair messy and lips bee stung. Satisfaction dances across her face. "I thought maybe you were going to⁠—"

"It was close," I answer. I lean down, lift her easily. She hooks her legs around my waist, her arousal wet on my stomach.

"I have condoms," she murmurs breathlessly. "I bought them a few weeks ago. Just in case."

I stop at the edge of the bed, sliding a kiss over her mouth while she's still in my arms. "Just in case?"

"I'd rather have it and not need it, then need it and not have it."

I'm grateful for her foresight.

"I like the new sheets," I tell her, as I lay her down on them. Pressing an elbow into the bed, I roll down beside her.

"Flannel." She turns into me, tracing a line over my chest. "They remind me of somebody's shirt collection."

"So I was right here beside you all along?" I lie on my back, basking in the feel of her nails over my skin.

She pushes up onto an elbow, partially coming over me. "You absolutely influenced my choice."

Her breasts hang, perfect and teardrop-shaped. A quick adjustment to my body on the bed and now I'm closer. My head turns toward her, and I slowly scrape my lips over the delicate flesh. A lovely little sound escapes her mouth. Pressing my face into her roundness, I drag in a deep breath.

She's not wearing her perfume, but she smells so damn good. I think it might be her. Her natural scent.

I'm ravenous for her. I've never been so starved for another person.

With a gentle press to her shoulder, I urge her back onto the pillow. She lies back, running her hands over my shoulders. Through my hair. Her eyes are intent on my face, her teeth working the inside of her lower lip.

"What is it you'd like to ask me?" I ask, gently sucking at the bottom curve of her breast.

She releases her lip. "How did you know I want to ask you something?"

"That's the face you make when you're not sure if you should say what's on your mind." I press a kiss between her breasts. Then another, and another, a line up the center. "I'm waiting," I say, cupping one breast and dragging my thumb across it. Her back arches. My gaze flicks up. "Yes?"