I laugh and rock into her with my shoulder. She rocks back but leaves us touching. “Ella, you are special.”

“I’m still friends with him and he was invited to Mallory’s wedding.”

Silence lingers, but she lowers her hand from her lap and slips her hand into mine, lacing our fingers.

“Maybe some people are meant to be for only a short period in our lives to help us find something we need to.”

“Like?”

“My confidence with sex. My ability to feel like I have value in a sexual relationship. Learning to let someone else take the wheel and not being in control all the time.”

“Sounds like you’re talking yourself into something.” I squeeze her hand but then I yawn long and big.

She leans her head against my shoulder. “You’re exhausted. Let’s get some rest and maybe tomorrow we can talk.”

I kiss her forehead. “I think that sounds like a good idea.” I’m fading fast and I want to worship this woman, not just get off.

She starts to move from the bed and I wrap an arm around her waist. “Where are you going?”

“Back to Mal’s room to get some?—”

“Sleep here…”

“I’m serious, McCabe, I’m not ready for?—”

“I know. I just want to hold you.”

Her eyes search mine and I wonder if people will ever stop questioning me.

“I believe you.”

Those three words are the second best three words in the universe.

She snuggles in close, her head under my chin, and our breathing slows.

“Ella?”

“Yeah?” It’s a whisper.

“I wasn’t a bad boy.”

“I know and your mom knows, too.” She sighs. “But if I want you to be a little bad, you’ll do it for me, right?”

I chuckle. “Only for you.”

I turn off the bedside light and the room is dark.

Fingers cup my jawline and lips hit mine, soft and supple. I’m lost in a dream and it’s the best one of my life. The way Ella’s body rests on mine. The way her softness presses into me. She’s looking down at me, smiling like she knows a secret.

A hand cups my cock and my eyes pop open.

It’s not a dream.

“McCabe…” she pulls it back and I grab it before she gets too far, bringing it back to my body. “I want you.”

“You can have me however you want to, Ella.”

And then I see the moon out my window lighting a sparkle in her eyes.