Page 11 of Protecting Paul

“Thanks to you, yes,” I answer quickly. Sam’s eyes have a twinkle of hope that is so pure I want to cry. Unlike most guys, he has no ulterior motives. He just wants to make sure I feel comfortable and good. “I don’t think anyone’s cooked for me as much as you have, like,ever.”

I notice a faint blush on his cheeks which makes him look even cuter and more innocent. The more time we spend together, the more my old feelings for him are drawn up deep within me. It’s conflicting because I want to kiss the fuck out of him, but I don’t know if it’s worth it since I’ll be leaving soon. I doubt Sam would ever leave Shafter Falls anyway.

“Can I askyoua question?” I say. Leeanne interrupts us for a brief moment when she sets out food down, but Sam nods in response and takes a bite of his burger. “What made you want to become a cop in Shafter Falls?”

“You did,” he says, as if it’s the simplest thing in the world. I feel confusion and shock on my face. I’m struck quiet. “When we were growing up, I always wanted to help you more than I could. You know, with your dad and stuff. I couldn’t, and it made me feel helpless. I don’t want to feel that way again. I want to help people when I can.”

“You were a kid, Sammy,” I say softly. I can’t believe what he’s saying, and it makes me warm all over. “And you did more to help me than anyone. I hope you don’t blame yourself for any of the bullshit with my dad. Without you, it would’ve been a lot fucking worse.”

“I… Wow,” he mumbles and ducks his head. He peeks up at me through his long lashes. Goddammit, I wish he would stop making me feel all fluttery. “I always wondered if you resented me for not doing more. That’s a huge weight lifted.”

We’re both acting bashful, but it’s weird because I like it. It relieves some sort of pressure that I can’t fully explain. It brings back the simplicity of my first love.

“Here ya go, boys,” Leeanne interrupts us and sets down two pie slices. “I figured you’d want these. It’s all on the house today, okay? Consider it a welcome back for Paul here.”

We thank her profusely and she pats me on the back before she walks off. The first bite of the pie makes me hum in approval. It’s the lemon meringue that was always my favorite. It doesn’t take long for us to clear our plates.

We both put down some cash, leaving a generous tip so Leeanne knows how much we appreciate her kindness. We walk back outside, and Sam grabs my hand again. If he keeps this up, I’m going to faint, I swear.“I have somewhere I want to go,” he says, leading me along. “Another trip down memory lane.”

We have so many memories together that I can’t begin to guess where we’re going. Nonetheless, I follow him without complaint. I trust him wholeheartedly. After a few minutes of walking, I can tell where we’re going.

We trek through the woods on the edge of town until we reach a clearing. It looks just like I remember it. The grass is thick and green, and the small pond is still clear.

“Wow…” I breathe out. “This brings back a lot of memories. I might get a little emotional, so don’t judge me.”

“I would never,” Sam laughs, and I feel his grip on my hand tighten slightly. “I haven’t been here since I moved back, you know. It felt wrong without you.”

He turns to face me. The tender look on his face makes me emotional, just like I knew it would. I can’t take my eyes off of him. He looked at me in the same way, right before our first kiss, so long ago.

“Paul?” I swallow heavily at how gently he murmurs my name. “Do you remember the first time we came here together?”

“Like it was yesterday,” I reply just as gently. “How could I forget? It was our first kiss. Hell, it was my first kiss, period.”

“They say you never forget your first kiss, right?” I can do is nod. I don’t tell him that I never forgot any of the times we spent together. “Maybe we should recreate that memory.”

I have no words, only desire. He has finally confirmed that he feels exactly how I do. Without a second thought, I tangle the fingers of my free hand in the hair above his neck and pull him in. There’s still the faint taste of lemon pie on his lips. He tastes like home.

He hums against my lips, causing me to shiver slightly. Our fingers are still twined together, and he squeezes my hand gently. His other hand settles between my shoulder blades. He slowly tugs me closer until we’re entirely flush against each other. My head is spinning, and there’s a desperate throbbing between my thighs. How the hell can a simple kiss turn me on this much?

His tongue slips past my lips and slides along my own. I can’t help but gasp at the sensation. It’s something I never forgot but never thought I would feel again. It’s even better than I remember.

When we pull our lips apart for air, we’re both panting. Sam rests his forehead against mine, and our breath blends together. I have to close my eyes briefly to avoid falling headfirst into his intoxicating gaze.

“I’ve wanted to do that since I saw you again,” he whispers, and my eyes shoot open. I stare into his hazel eyes and swallow roughly. “Hell, I’ve wanted to do much more than that since seeing you again.”

“You don’t have to tell me twice,” I reply and let out a laugh that sounds more like a giggle. Oh, boy. “You can show me what you’re thinking once we get back to your place.”

“You don’t have to tellmetwice,” he echoes. “Come on, let’s go.”

He tugs my hand a bit, and we’re off. In an instant, we’re jogging toward his place. I have the brief thought that I would follow him wherever he leads me. It’s a scary thought but nice. I don’t know who else I’ve trusted this much.

We make it back in record time and practically race each other up the steps and tumble through the doorway. He’s kissing me up against the door the instant it shuts behind us. It’s less gentle this time, more frantic. I return it in kind. His hands trace up and down my body like he’s making sure I’m really here. I can tell we’re both in disbelief that this is happening.

We finally wrench apart from each other to make quick work of our shoes and make our way to his bedroom, bouncing off things as we go. We don’t break our kisses for a moment, neither of us wanting to stop tasting each other. Sam trips back against the bed, and I fall on top of him. We both start laughing, and it feels so good to laugh so genuinely.

I roll off of him, working on the button of my jeans. I fumble with the zipper, my hands shaking in excitement. I glance over, and he’s just watching me with a look in his eyes that’s so amazed and full of awe. I don’t think anyone has looked at me like that before.

“You gonna join me or just stare at me?” I tease as I pull my pants off. My erection is obvious, which isn’t surprising because he had my cock throbbing from that first kiss. He blushes a bit and works on taking his own pants off.

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