The bathroom door opens and, even with the low glow of the TV, I can see she’s beautiful in my T-shirt, her wet curls piled on top of her head. I don’t take my eyes off her as she makes her way to the bed and finishes unpacking her clothes for tomorrow.
“Where should I put these?” she asks.
Realizing I told her but never showed her, I climb out of bed and meet her at the dresser that the TV sits on. “This side is yours. All four of them.”
She peers up at me under long, wet lashes and I swear my fucking heart stutters in my chest. “You’re beautiful.”
“Thank you, Landon.” She quickly turns away and makes quick work of placing her clothes in the top drawer and tossing her bag on the floor beside the dresser. When she turns back around, I step forward and wrap my arms around her.
“I’m glad you’re here, Em.”
Tilting her head back, she gazes up at me. We’re stuck in this silent stare. My cock twitches as my ache for her increases with her this close. She’s wearing my shirt and by the looks of it, no bra, and I would assume panties. She’s practically naked and I want to explore her body. I want to savor every inch of her, but I promised her she would have the power when it comes to us and sex. I wish I would have taken a shower to help soften my need for her—no pun intended.
“Landon,” she whispers, swiping her tongue across her full lips.
I take a step closer and align my body with hers. My erection brushes her belly and she inhales a breath. I don’t say a word, keeping my eyes locked on hers. I hope she can see it. That I won’t hurt her and that this isn’t just about winning a date or winning her. It’s so much more.
She’s so much more.
My chest rapidly rises and falls just from being this close to her. When her small, soft hands land against my chest, I feel as though I can’t breathe. I stand stock-still, letting her do her thing while her hands roam over my chest. I swallow hard when she reaches the waistband of my boxer briefs. The same boxer briefs that my hard-as-steel cock is peeking out of. Her eyes never leave mine as she slowly rakes her index finger over the tip.
“Emma,” I warn.
She bats those lashes at me, her deep green eyes shining. “What’s it going to take, Landon?”
“W-What?” My voice cracks; I’m barely maintaining my control.
“To break this calm you have. It’s like nothing fazes you.” Her voice is soft, almost a whisper.
“Trust me, Em, my control is hanging on by a thread.”
“Yeah?” she asks, hopeful. “So what’s it going to take?” She swipes her index finger over the head of my cock again, making me fist my hands at my sides. “What if I did this?” She cups me, her small hands gripping me through my boxer briefs.
“Emma,” I growl. It’s supposed to be a warning, but it sounds more like a mating call, which is pretty accurate at this point.
“What if I did this?” She slides her hands under the waistband of my underwear, and I snap.
Hands on her hips, I grip them firmly and lift her in the air so we’re eye level. “I want you, Emma. Any fool can see that, but I need to hear you say it. Tell me you want this. I promised you we would go at your pace, and if you’re fucking with me right now—” I pause and swallow hard. “—I’m going to need a cold shower. A long one.”
“Your eyes, they're such a deep blue right now.” Her hands that are resting on my shoulders cradle my face. “I want you too.”
The words are barely spoken before I’m crashing my lips to hers. In three longs strides, I’m peeling my lips from her mouth and tossing her back on the bed. “Strip.” She climbs to her knees with her eyes locked on mine and pulls my shirt over her head. My mouth drops open as I stare at her naked body. “No panties?” I grit out.
She shrugs. “An unnecessary barrier.” Crawling to the edge of the bed, she reaches for me, but I take a step back. I can’t let her touch me, not like this. I’m ready to blow as it is.
“Top drawer.” I nod toward the nightstand. Understanding crosses her face and she moves to grab protection. With both hands, I strip out of my underwear, kicking them out of the way. Emma places a strip of condoms on the pillow, tearing one off and handing it to me.
I shake my head. “Too soon. Lie back on the bed.”
She does as I ask, and I wish her hair was down. I’ve imagined her dark locks splayed out on my pillow a hundred times. That’s all right, though. We’ve got plenty of time. My eyes rake over her, and I can’t decide where I want to start first.