Page 33 of Forever my Love

He felt tightness in his chest and pulled her into a hug.

“That’s a lot. It means a lot.” He felt her nod in return. “We’ll go slow. You let me know if I do anything”—he shifted until his eyes locked with hers again—“anything at all that scares you.”

She surprised him by smiling. “I thought just talking about all this would be scary. Harper suggested I open up to you. Trust you.” She lifted on her toes and brushed her lips across his. “I do trust you.”

He almost melted just hearing those words from her.

The second the dog darted between their legs back into the house, he shut and locked the door, then he lifted Hailey up until her legs wrapped around his hips.

“Let’s head upstairs,” he said against her neck. He concentrated on not dropping her or bumping them into any walls as he went.

When they reached his room, he realized that she deserved candlelight and soft music. He’d promised her a first date and here they were about to take the biggest step in their relationship before they’d even really gone out.

The moment her body slid down his, her fingers tugged at his shirt.

His mind and body screamed to take her quickly, to find his release and pleasure. The rational part of his heart had him slowly stepping back from her reach.

“If we’re going to do this, let’s take it a step at a time.” He turned down the light until it was low enough that it could be considered romantic.

He took her hand and led her over to sit on the edge of the bed. Then he knelt before her and slowly untied her shoes.

She sat still, watching him, smiling down at him. He took a moment to gently rub her feet, knowing she’d been standing on them all day at work. She groaned and arched her feet into his hands.

“You’re good at that.” She laughed when he hit a ticklish spot. He released her foot.

“I’m good at a lot of things,” he teased as he slowly ran his hands up her legs. Then he pulled her to the edge of the bed until her body was pressed against his. His hands moved slowly over her hips, up her back.

He knew that she had issues with being held and, even though he’d moved slowly, he felt her tense against him. He stilled.

“Are you okay?” he asked softly.

She took a moment before nodding. “Yes, I…”

“Don’t like being held down or held tightly?” he suggested. She nodded. “Want me to let go?” he asked as he started running his hands gently over her back.

She took another moment and then shook her head. “No,” she said.

He felt her take another deep breath as her hands moved to his shoulders. He held still while she explored his arms, his shoulders, his chest.

“I like the feel of you,” she said softly.

He wanted to tell her that she was driving him crazy. That if she kept it up, he wouldn’t be able to contain himself for much longer. Instead, he allowed her to pull off his shirt this time.

One step at a time, he kept telling himself. Let her take the reins for a while until she feels comfortable again.

When she kissed him, he pressed his body against hers again and held in a sound of happiness when she didn’t tense this time.

The more she took control, the more he felt her relax. But when he started unbuttoning her blouse, he could see her nerves and fears return. He kissed her as a distraction and once more had her relaxing.

When he stood her up to remove her pants, she nudged his off as well.

“I…” She bit her lip and avoided looking at anything other than his chest.

“You can look,” he said with a smile. “Trust me, I am looking at you.” He chuckled.

She jerked her eyes up and then down at herself.

Her matching blue bra and panties covered her like a second skin and were turning him on so much he didn’t know how he was holding back.