I’m lost in her soft lips and gentle embrace as I caress her breasts, feeling the smoothness of her skin.
My hands go around her waist as she straddles me, our bodies intertwining. The feeling of her body on mine is the most beautiful thing I’ve felt in a long time, and I can’t seem to get enough of her.
But then I come to my senses, stopping before we go any farther than what we did last night.
“Catherine,” I sigh, peering into her rich, green eyes. “We should talk about what happened last night.”
“Right,” she replies, but the disappointment is etched all over her face.
She slides off me and slips back under the covers.
I clear my throat as I sit up. “Last night was… unexpected,” I say, trying to find the right words. “Not to say I didn’t want it to happen. I’m just surprised.”
“It just felt right,” she admits. “I trust you, Oliver. I wanted my first time to be with someone I trust as much as you.”
Her words hang in the air, a delicate admission that seems to simultaneously humble and empower me. I look into Catherine’s eyes, vulnerable and honest, and feel a surge of emotion that’s difficult to place—a mix of honor, protectiveness, and an overwhelming tenderness.
“It means more than you know, Catherine,” I say softly, my voice barely above a whisper. The trust she’s placed in me—it’s not something I take lightly. It’s a gift, a responsibility, and strangely, a relief.
The thought of her with someone else, someone who might not regard her feelings or who might simply disregard her worth after such intimacy, ignites a protectiveness I hadn’t fully grasped until now. The idea is unsettling, and it reinforces my resolve to ensure that this experience is nothing but affirming for her.
Seeing the slight relaxation in her shoulders, the easing of that vulnerable tension, I feel a silent promise settle between us. It’s not just physical intimacy she’s entrusted me with; it’s her confidence, her past apprehensions, and her hope for a respectful and caring experience.
At this moment, flattery doesn’t begin to cover it. It’s a privilege, an honor, and I’m determined to be worthy of this trust she’s bestowed upon me.
I take her hand in mine. “We don’t have to go that far again. We can’t risk anybody finding out, especially not Erica. She would hate us both.”
“Yeah, of course. Besides, it’s not like either of us wants to be in a relationship, right?” she adds with a light chuckle. “Nobody has to know it happened.”
“That’s true,” I reply, even though a part of me wishes I could just stay here forever, lost in her embrace. “I mean, it’s not like either of us could really commit to each other either.”
“No,” she agrees. “I’m not ready to commit to anyone so soon after my breakup with Jason.”
She glances away, and I rub the back of my neck as I try to explain myself further.
“I want you to know that I’m still not over Emily’s death. It’s going to take a long time for me to be ready for another relationship. We should both just focus on taking care of Alice.”
“Of course,” Catherine agrees, but I can hear the sadness in her voice. “Alice is my number one priority, too.”
“I’m glad we’re on the same page then,” I reply.
At that, she smiles, but it’s obvious from her expression that she has more she wants to say. “Maybe you still have to teach me a few more things, though.”
I feel a blush rising on my cheeks, but I can’t ignore the growing desire in my body. As much as we talked about not wanting to be together, the attraction between us is undeniable.
“I think I can show you a few more tricks,” I whisper against her lips, and then I kiss her, slowly and passionately.
I lean down to kiss her again, my hands roaming her body like they did the night before. The feeling of her skin against mine ignites a fire inside of me, and I can’t help but want her again.
I trail kisses down her jawline and neck, feeling her fingers tugging at my hair. With every touch and every moan, the last remaining doubts in my mind fade away. Maybe we shouldn’t be together, but right now, in this moment, it feels so right.
Finally, I traverse down to her chest and I can feel her body tremble in anticipation as my lips meet her nipple. I suck gently at first, teasing her with gentle strokes of my tongue. She squirms beneath me, and I continue my path of exploration.
I slip my hand under the covers, tracing the curve of her hip. She arches into my touch, her breath quickening.
With a smirk on my face, I slowly slide my hand down until I reach her core. Her body trembles as I tease her, my fingers dancing over her slick entrance.
I push a finger inside of her, and she gasps, her hands gripping the sheets tightly.