Page 16 of Guarding Her Heart
“Yes!” I exclaim, throwing my arms up in victory. “Ice cream is on you!”
Ethan laughs, shaking his head in defeat. “Alright, alright, you win. But I’m still picking the flavor.”
“Fair enough,” I reply, grinning up at him.
He steps closer, his eyes softening as they meet mine. “You’re something else, Jenny.”
My breath catches at the intensity in his gaze. “Is that a good thing?”
“It’s the best thing,” he says, his voice low and full of desire. My body is reacting quickly to it and I need that ice cream as soon as possible to cool me off.
We stand there, the world around us fading away as the air between us fills with an unspoken tension, a pull that I can’t resist. Before I can overthink it, he closes the distance between us, capturing my lips in a kiss that’s both gentle and full of promise for later.
“I’ve been wanting to do that all day,” he admits, his voice a husky whisper.
“I’m glad you finally did,” I reply, my heart racing.
Ethan steps back slightly, his expression turning more serious. “Jenny, there’s something I need to tell you.”
My stomach tightens with anticipation. “What is it?”
He takes a deep breath, his eyes never leaving mine. “I know it’s only been a short time, but I can’t ignore what I’m feeling. I’m falling for you, Jennifer Dalton. I don’t want to scare you off, but I need you to know it.”
His words hit me like a wave, powerful and overwhelming in the best possible way. For a moment, I’m speechless, the weight of his confession settling over me. But as I look into his eyes, I realize that I feel the same way.
“I’m falling for you too, Ethan,” I say, my voice trembling slightly with emotion. “I didn’t expect this, but I’m so glad it’s happening.”
The relief and joy on his face make my heart soar. He pulls me into his arms, holding me close as if he never wants to let go.
“Come on,” he says softly, his lips brushing against my hair. “Let’s get that ice cream so I can get you home.”
We head to a small stand by the entrance, sharing a sundae topped with whipped cream and cherries. The world feels right, like everything has finally fallen into place. We talk about everything and nothing, the conversation easy and full of laughter, and I can’t remember the last time I’ve felt so content.
As the night grows darker, we walk hand in hand back to his truck. The connection between us feels deeper, more real, with every step we take. “I’ll follow you home.” He says and I nod, thankful this evening isn’t over yet.
The moment the door to my apartment closes behind us, the playful atmosphere from earlier shifts into something more intense, more charged. Ethan turns to me, his eyes dark with desire, and before I can say anything, he pulls me into a kiss that’s nothing like the one before—this one is hungry, filled with a need that’s been building between us all night.
I kiss him back with equal fervor, my hands tangling in his hair as he presses me against the wall. The sensation of his body against mine, the heat of his touch, sends a thrill through me that’s impossible to ignore. I’ve never felt anything like this before—this overwhelming need, this intense connection.
Ethan pulls back slightly, his breathing ragged as he looks into my eyes. “Are you sure?” he asks, his voice low and filled with concern.
“Yes,” I whisper, my heart pounding. “I want this, Ethan. I want you.”
That’s all the encouragement he needs. He lifts me effortlessly, and I wrap my legs around his waist as he carries me to the bedroom. Time has become a blur of heat and passion, of clothes discarded in a trail to the bed, where we finally come together in a way that feels both inevitable and completely overwhelming.
His hands explore my body with a reverence that makes me feel cherished, wanted in a way I’ve never experienced before. Each touch, each kiss, builds the intensity between us until it’s almost too much to bear.
He sucks one of my nipples into his mouth, nibbling on it and the jolt of electricity runs straight to my core. “Ethan…” I moan.
“Tell me what you want, sweetheart. How can I please you.”
“I need you inside of me. Please,” I beg him.
His fingers explore my sex, teasing my clit as he inserts one, then two fingers inside of me. “Like this?” He asks as his eyes stare intensely into mine.
“Yes.” I say breathlessly.
“How about this?” He asks as his thumb flicks my clit a few times and I can’t breathe as my orgasm blows through me like a freight train.
