Page 71 of Body Shot

“Not at all. I love that I was able to share something so beautiful with you.”

TWENTY-FIVE

Anders

ShouldI tell her I’ve never been with a virgin before?

Will it make her feel better or worse?

I can tell she’s dealing with some conflicting emotions in the aftermath of our lovemaking, but I’m not sure how to help because I’m battling some confusing shit myself.

My feelings for her are already strong. Much stronger than they should be after five days. I’m not a love-at-first-sight kind of guy, but that’s the only way to explain this thing between us. From the moment I saw her on the beach, I was drawn to her. The minute we started to talk the connection was undeniable. One kiss and I was a goner.

Now that I’ve made love to her? Essentially been her first everything? She’s mine. That’s all there is to it.

Saying something like that out loud is hard, though. Not only is it something I’m not used to doing, I also think we’ve moved too fast for someone who’s never done any of this before. The sex is one thing, but she’s never really had a boyfriend before either, and my gut tells me she’s nervous.

“A good orgasm should relax you,” I say after a moment. “Not leave you spinning in the wind. And I can see your big, beautiful brain is working overtime. Can you tell me what’s bothering you?”

She sighs, chewing the inside of her cheek. “I feel like we’re…acouple. Like you’re my boyfriend and whatever this is has a future. But I’m not stupid—I know that’s not how relationships work and it’s too soon?—”

“Says who?” I interrupt gently, stroking her cheek with my knuckles.

“What?” I’ve confused her.

“Who says this isn’t how relationships work? Is there a book with instructions? Because if there is, I’ve never seen it. In my experience, every relationship is different and the only timeline that matters is the one that works for us.”

“Well, sure, but who gets into a relationship after a week?”

I chuckle. “Well, my parents, for one. They met at a club in the 80s, went home together, and my mom moved in with him the next day. They’ve been together ever since.”

“My parents dated for four years before they got engaged,” she says. “So I guess that’s my only point of reference.”

“Everyone is different. And if you want me to be your boyfriend, I’d love for you to be my girlfriend.”

Her eyes widen and she stares at me. “But…I’m leaving.”

“So? There are planes and trains and automobiles that can bridge the gap between Philly and Lauderdale. The team is playing in Philly mid-October, so I’ll see you then, and you said your job would be remote after the initial probationary period. Which means you can work from anywhere. Right?”

She looks a little confused, but nods. “Er, yes. They asked me to be in the office to learn the ropes, although after the first six weeks, that’s optional too. I was re-reading my employment agreement the other day and it says there’s a six-week mandatory in-office training period, but then it goes to fifty-fifty and finally one hundred percent remote other than the occasional special meeting or event.”

“So, depending on what happens, you could spend time down here with me when I’m not traveling.”

“Oh.” She seems surprised at the offer, staring at my face intently.

Her and that big brain of hers, I can practically see the wheels turning, as if she has the weight of the world on her mind.

But then she surprises me by kissing me.

And this kiss is not soft or chaste or timid—it’s the kiss of a woman who knows what she wants, and right now, what she wants is her man.

Me.

I pull her astride me and let her feel my growing erection.

“Does this mean you’re my girlfriend?” I hiss as she wiggles into place.

“Yes.” She rubs her core against my crotch and I’m dangerously close to slipping inside of her.

---