It’s explosive.
Different from when we were kids. That was innocent.
My back arches immediately to meet his chest, his arm slipping underneath to pull me closer. A sound vibrates through him, something like a low growl of approval as my fingers get tangled in his hair.
It’s fast and hot, a mashing of teeth and tongue, and yet at the same time, it feels tender. Caring. Years and years of history, love, and hurt just letting loose in his small childhood bed.
I moan as his lips leave mine, trailing down to my jaw.He kisses along it, nipping the sensitive skin until he reaches my ear. He bites it, his tongue flicking at the lobe, and I’m all too aware of the pressure building inside of me.
I haveneverbeen touched like this. With such care. With such devotion.
I grasp his shirt as his teeth graze the exposed skin on my neck, and when I turn to face him, capturing his lips in mine, I gasp as his bulge grazes my thigh.
He’s the first to pull away.
“Amara—”
“You’re right,” I say, scooting away as far as I can. Putting space between us right now is probably the best for both of us. “I’m so sorry.” My fingers touch my lips, desperately wishing I could feel his again.
“Why are you sorry?” His smile is dazzling in the moonlight. “Do you know how many times I pictured that happening in this bed?”
I blush.
“Hey,” he turns my chin toward him. “I told you. I’ll take you in any capacity you’re willing.”
We fall into silence as I think, the thoughts swirling about my head too loud. “We’re stuck in this situation for a while longer, right?” I ask softly.
“Yeah.”
“I’m not saying that we have to do anything,” I say slowly. “But if we’re here, why not enjoy the time we have together?”
His breathing stops.
“In this situation?”
I nod.
“Like the show,” he says slowly, the wheels in his brain turning.
“Coop, I’m not fucking you tonight.” I yawn. As much as I’m desperate for it, I think we both need to think about it a little longer. Besides, I’m wiped out.
“Oh, I mean, of course, I didn’t think?—”
“You can say no, I assure him.”
He shakes his head. “No, I think that’s a really good way of looking at it.”
Silence falls upon us once more, and this time, I let it pull me under.
CHAPTER 35
COOPER
Summer, 2012
The car is silent as we leave the hospital.
It’s quiet all the way home.
