Page 43 of Heart Strings

I bask in his praise; the noises slipping from my mouth, making me sound unhinged. He grabs my leg and pulls it higher so he can drive deeper; and somehow he’s touching a spot that makes me gasp out loud.

“Connor—!” I try to call out, but he only moves faster, slamming against that spot repeatedly. That, coupled with a constant friction against my clit, has me digging my nails into his back and I let out a strangled scream.

“That’s it, Gracie… Come for me… I need to — fuck — need to feel you,” Connor whispers in my ear, his voice husky with need, and the sound of his voice is what sends me careening over the edge.

From an awkward start, to a perfect ending, Connor and I reach our climax at the same time; both calling out the other’s name like a prayer.

We’re breathless and staring at each other and it’s clear that nothing will ever be the same after this, but somehow that’s perfect.

Chapter 32

Gracie

The first light of dawn filters through the curtains, casting a gentle, warm glow across the room. I’m cocooned in warmth, an arm draped heavily around my waist, the steady rhythm of Connor’s breathing against my back.

The realization that I’ve woken up in his arms, after all these years of friendship having blossomed into something deeper, sends a thrill through me. Yet, there’s a surreal quality to it, as if I might wake up any second to find it was all just a dream.

Carefully, I try to shift, intending to slip out of bed for a quick trip to the bathroom, but Connor’s arm tightens around my waist, pulling me back against him. He’s awake, and his movement is deliberate.

“Where do you think you’re going?” His voice is husky with sleep, a warm breath dancing along my shoulder.

“Just to the bathroom,” I whisper, turning slightly to look at him. His eyes are soft, a stark contrast to the broody intensity I’m so used to seeing. He’s different like this, open and vulnerable in the quiet of the morning.

Connor loosens his grip, but not before pressing a gentle kiss to my shoulder, sending a shiver down my spine. “Hurry back,” he murmurs, and there’s an undeniable smile in his voice.

“I will,” I promise, my heart fluttering at the tenderness of his actions.

As I walk to the bathroom, I can’t help but glance back at him, watching as he settles back against the pillows, his tousled hair framing his face, a content smile lingering on his lips.

The sight of him like this, so relaxed and genuine, makes my heart skip more than just a beat. We’ve crossed a threshold that has altered everything, and yet, I’ve never been more certain of anything.

Inside the bathroom, I lean against the closed door for a moment, my mind replaying the events of last night—the laughter, the heartfelt conversations, the moment our friendship turned into something more under the glow of the firelight. It all feels like a beautiful, unexpected pivot in our lives.

Afterwards, I return to the bedroom, where Connor is now sitting up against the headboard, watching me as I make my way back to bed. The sheets are pooled around his waist, revealing the intricate tattoos along his arms and the one in homage to me on his chest. He’s always been striking, but this morning, there’s a softness to him that makes my heart beat faster.

“Come here,” he says, holding out a hand. I take it, and he pulls me gently onto the bed and into his arms. We settle back against the pillows, and he brushes a loose strand of hair from my face.

“Last night was…” I start, searching for the right words.

“Perfect,” Connor finishes for me, his thumb tracing my jawline gently. “It was perfect, Tink.”

I smile, nestling closer to him. “It really was. I never thought…”

“That we’d end up here?” His gaze is intense, searching. “Me neither. But I’m glad we did. Gracie, I…” He pauses, his expression earnest. “I want this to be right for you. For us.”

“It feels right,” I assure him, my voice barely above a whisper. “It feels like everything I didn’t know I was waiting for.”

He tilts my chin up, his fingers gentle on my skin, and his gaze holds mine. “You’ve always been the most important person in my life. I was just too stubborn or scared to admit what I really wanted. But being here with you like this, it feels right. It’s everything I’ve ever wanted.”

My heart swells, the sincerity in his words wrapping around me like a warm blanket.

“I felt the same,” I admit, my own fears and hesitations of the past seeming so trivial now in the light of this new day. “I was scared of changing what we had, but now… I can’t imagine not being with you like this.”

Connor pulls me closer, his lips finding mine in a kiss that’s soft and sweet, filled with promise. It’s a reassurance, a seal over the words we’ve shared, and when we part, we’re both smiling.

The kiss lingers, leaving a trail of warmth that seems to echo around Connor’s bedroom, now dimly lit by the fading firelight and the soft morning sun filtering through the curtains. Connor’s smile holds a hint of mischief as he gazes at me, his eyes reflecting the flames, turning them into twin pools of gold.

“So, Tink,” he starts, his voice playful yet serious, “how about we start that adventure we’ve been dreaming about? What do you say to getting away this weekend?”

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