One Last Time(48)

“What if it’s not what you want?” I whisper, hoping he maybe doesn’t hear.

Noah shifts back enough to look me in the eyes. “I want you, Kristin.”

My pulse races, but there isn’t a chance in hell I’m going to walk away now. He emboldens me to take what he’s offering. I’ve never felt as safe as I do right now. He does want me, and I want him. I’m going to do what he said and take charge.

I push Noah back a little and get to my feet. Our chests touch and my hand slides to the back of his neck again, bringing his lips to mine. I lose all sense of time as both of us fight for control. He gives it to me and then takes it back as if he can’t stop himself.

Just knowing he’s relenting a little makes my heart race.

Noah brings his lips to my neck, his tongue traces my collarbone and tastes the skin across my shoulder.

I take his hands in mine and start to walk backward. He follows me as we make our way to my bedroom.

Nerves plow through me like a freight train as we reach the door.

“Are you sure?” he asks.

How do I answer that? Do I want him? Yes. I don’t even think it’s a choice anymore, it’s a need.

“Yes, I’m sure,” I reassure him.

“We don’t have to do this.” Noah gives me another out, to which I smile, running my fingers over his short beard.

It’s my turn to be vulnerable with him. He’s given me words of encouragement that have carried me through. The fact that he’s still cautious with me is answer enough. Noah cares about me. Not about getting laid, but my heart and soul. He’s the thread that won’t patch my heart, he wants to heal it, eradicating the scars.

“No, we don’t have to, but you’re what I want. The smile you say you love is there because of you. The laugh you hear, only started when you came around. I was drifting for so long, afraid to grab on to something because nothing was sturdy enough. I don’t know if you’ll be what tethers me, but right now, I know that I want to find out.”

He crashes his mouth to mine, kissing me hard, slamming my back into the door. I fumble for the knob, and I fly backward into the bedroom.

Noah doesn’t stop, and neither do I, we keep our lips fused as we blindly make our way to the bed. My legs hit the mattress, and he lifts me into his arms and places me in the center.

“I’m going to make you feel so good,” Noah promises as he stands in front of me.

I have zero doubts about that.

“He might have been right, Noah. I could be really bad at this,” I warn him.

“I very much doubt that.” He grins. “Take your shirt off.”

Seems I’m no longer in charge. However, the raw sexuality he’s exuding makes me totally okay with that. I do as he asks, taking my time, loving how his jaw ticks as he waits impatiently. “You know, you could always help.” I gaze at him through my lashes.

He moves toward the bed slowly, settling on the bed so his knees are straddling me. My hands move on their own accord, touching his bare chest. His muscles tense beneath my fingers as I make my way higher.

Noah grips my wrists, hoisting them over my head. “Keep them there,” he demands.

My chest rises and falls as he grips the bottom of my shirt, raising it slowly. He runs the back of his fingers against my sides, just barely touching me.

“I’ve thought about what you looked like in that bathing suit every single day. I’ve imagined touching your breasts, taking them in my mouth,” he rasps.

I make a soft moan, feeling his words everywhere in my body. “You don’t have to imagine anymore.” I’m all for the touching.

The fabric goes over my head. He reaches behind my back with his lips against my ear. “That’s not the only thing I’ve thought about.” He unhooks my bra but doesn’t move to pull it off. “Bring your arms down, and show me how fucking perfect you are.”

My arms fall, and I grip each strap, letting them fall, but holding the cups to keep me covered. I watch his eyes turn hard as I let it drop. Noah’s breathing accelerates, and once again our mouths find each other. He shifts forward, covering my body with his, bare chests rubbing against one another.

It’s as if he reminds me with each kiss how intimate this is. The talking, promises, and glances are hot as hell, but each time he kisses me, there’s more hidden. It grounds me to him, and even if it isn’t conscious, it keeps me here.

“Touch me, Noah,” I plead.

It’s all he needs, and the next second has his hands cupping me, his thumbs rubbing against my nipples. I’ve always had sensitive boobs, but this is off the charts for me. I could orgasm from this alone.

His head lowers, and his tongue rims my nipple. “Oh, shit,” I pant.

Noah repeats the motion and then does it to the other side. My eyes close as he blows across the wet skin. If I knew it would feel this good, I would’ve jumped his bones earlier.

I squirm beneath him as his hands roam my body and his mouth works its magic on my breasts.

His fingers inch down to my shorts and run along the band.

“How much more do you want me to touch you?” he asks before flicking my nipple with his tongue.

“Don’t stop,” I beg.

“I didn’t ask that.” He breathes the words against my skin.

What did he ask? I can’t concentrate on anything other than how fucking good this feels. “I can’t remember . . .”