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He swiftly lifted her sweatshirt up and over her head. Then she slid down her bra straps and flung the bra off the bed. Her chest heaved, and her nipples tightened under his intense gaze. Then he leaned forward, closed his lips on a nipple, and sucked it deep into his mouth.

She dug her fingertips into his shoulders as he teased her with his tongue, swirling it around and drawing on one nipple and then the other. Her hips moved in earnest now, circling against the hard bulge in his jeans, desperate for more contact.

She admired his patience but wondered how much longer they could keep this up without getting naked. Then he released her nipple and started untucking his shirt.

She climbed off his lap and watched him whip off his shirt to reveal his smooth, hard chest and caramel skin. When he placed his hands on the button of his jeans, she did the same, and they removed their pants and underwear at the same time. Of course, she had to wiggle her hips to get out of hers, while he slid his off in one quick motion.

Then he scooted to the middle of the bed and held out his arms to her. His eyes sparkled, and he wetted his lips as she crawled over him like a lioness stalking its prey.

His arms went around her waist as she dipped her head down and claimed his lips. Soon he flipped her onto her back and reached for a condom that he must have taken out of his pocket earlier.

He quickly sheathed himself while she watched, and then he came over her and lined himself up between her legs.

“I can’t wait anymore. I have to have you.”

She loved seeing him like this, his chest heaving and his eyes glazed over. It made her feel sexy, desired, and loved. Yes, loved, even if that wasn’t his intention.

“I want you too, Nick. Make love to me.”

He made a growly sound deep in his throat as he pushed forward, watching himself disappear inside her. He gently lowered himself down, and she wrapped her arms and legs around him, holding him as close as she possibly could.

He stilled and gazed deep into her eyes as if he were trying to either glean or communicate something. She wasn’t sure which.

Threading his hands in her hair, he smiled softly. “I’ve never felt anything like this, the way it is with us.”

She nodded.

“I can’t get enough of you. I want you all the time. All of you.”

She swallowed hard, realizing they were on the verge of something big. “I feel the same way.”

“You do?”

“Yes.”

“I was afraid—”

“Don’t be. I’m not anymore.”

He smiled wide with a mixture of relief and…

“I love you, Stacy. And you don’t have to say it back. I understand if it’s too soon.”

She placed a finger over his lips as a tear dripped down the side of her face. “It’s not too soon. I love you too.”

He swiped the tear away with his thumb. “Are you okay?”

“Better than okay. I haven’t felt this good in a long, long time.”

His erection pulsed inside her, a reminder that they were connected as deeply and intimately as two people could be.

“I need to…”

“Me too,” she said.

They began to move, their bodies confirming the words they’d spoken. Their hearts beat in tandem, their souls united, and their dreams aligned.

Afterward he held her close, and she smiled against his chest. She was proud of herself for taking this step, for opening her heart and letting him in despite her fears. It was only the first step, though, and she still had a long way to go.