Her body felt on fire, responding to his need with her own, knowing that this was her first time feeling this and wanting it to override all her memories and experiences.
Everywhere he touched her, that part of her came alive, tingling with desire as if she’d never really known what touch was for before. His fingers trailed down her arms, touched her face, and pulled her closer. But it wasn’t enough. His skin against hers became a necessity as she reached down, pulling his shirt over his head. Then, with equal determination, she reached for the hem of her dress. His hands were with hers as she lifted it, pulling it off, exposing herself to him.
She felt his eyes roam over her as, for a moment, he held her wrists above her head. She felt him stir where she sat, and exhilaration swept through her at knowing that she could have this effect on him, equally aware of the effect he had on her as her body pulsed. She pressed herself against him, breathing in the smell of him, kissing his chest as his head lolled back, and he let out a low moan.
Then his arms wrapped tighter around her, and he was lifting her, carrying her over to the white island behind them. “Are you sure?” he asked one last time, his voice tight with restraint.
Penelope’s legs tightened around his waist. “Yes.”
As soon as they hit the bed, she was pulling at his jeans, tugging them off, while his hands were busy with her bra. The moment his hand moved over her breast, caressing her nipple, her body spasmed. It had been so long.
His other hand slid down her body, moving lower. She was embarrassed to realize how wet she already was. Without giving him much of a chance at foreplay, she wrapped her legs around him, moaning his name into his ear.
“Finn. Please.” She was already desperate for him.
“Penelope… wait,” his voice was as breathless as hers.
But her hips rocked without her consent. Her body longed for him, and she didn’t know how to control this need.
“Okay,” he breathed out a chuckle. “But we have all night.”
Her body rocked again. His skin felt so good, and she wanted more. She wanted all of him.
In the next moment, he gave it.
In the heat of the moment, there had been no time to feel ashamed of her body. There had only been need and pleasure. The need to feel his skin against hers and the wonderful sensations it brought.
Lying naked in his arms, spent but awake, was another matter. She was okay pressed up against him. But when he rolled away, one arm still around her shoulder holding her hand, she felt exposed. She snatched awkwardly at the blanket with her free hand.
“Cold?” he asked with gentle concern.
“Yeah.” She could feel him watching her, knew he could read the lie.
Carefully, he disentangled himself from her until he was able to turn over onto his side, the hand he’d removed from hers now propping his head up. His free hand moved purposefully forward, removing the covers she was hiding under. He did it slowly, allowing her every opportunity to stop him.
Instead, she laid still, willing herself to trust him.
When she was exposed, he let his fingers trail lingeringly down her stomach, touching her smooth skin with the lightest touch. “Is this okay?” he asked.
She had told herself she wouldn’t think of Carson but found her breath catching in her throat as she remembered the hands that poked and prodded, squeezing roughly, physically admonishing her for her body size. It took everything in her to fight the urge to shove him away and hide.
“Penelope, please open your eyes. Look at me.”
She hadn’t even realized she’d shut them.
Holding her breath, she did as he asked.
“Hey. You’re okay. It’s me. And you’re beautiful. You are allowed to be touched and know you’re beautiful.”
She tried a tentative smile, aware she wasn’t fooling anyone.
The bed shifted, and before she knew what was happening, he was up and lifting her with him, carrying her naked body towards her worst enemy.
He placed her down gently so that she stood directly in front of him, facing the full-length mirror. She cringed and could see him watching her cringe.
“Everything here is amazing.” Again, his featherlight fingers were traversing their way down her stomach.
She closed her eyes for a different reason this time, leaning back against him, a moan escaping her. His hands caught her, steadying her, before he shifted again. She could feel him moving, feeling powerless to do anything but experience the sensations he was provoking. Then he held her, his hands on her hips, and she realized he was kneeling in front of her.
