The Impact of You(28)
Author: Kendall Ryan

“You get to choose the movie,” I tell her, taking a step back to release her.

She nods and peruses the collection of DVDs I’ve rounded up from the guys in the house. Most are comedies with dirty humor or horror flicks, but she doesn’t complain. She selects a paranormal thriller and hands it to me.

“Are you sure?”

She nods. “I love scary movies.”

“Really?” I’m not sure why, but this surprises me. Maybe because she’s so sweet and innocent. Either way, I love that she’s into it. I’ve wanted to see this movie for a while. “Well, if you get too scared and need to sleep over, you’re welcome to.” Smooth, Jase.

She grins crookedly. “Like a slumber party?”

“Ah no, not like a slumber party. Like me and you in my bed spooning and hopefully kissing.”

Her cheeks blush pink and she tips her head down. I can’t resist tipping her chin up with two fingers. I press a soft kiss to her mouth and then look at her to gauge her reaction. “Are you okay with what happened last night? I mean…you liked it, right?”

“I thought that was obvious, yes.”

I dare a step closer. “So maybe this whole tutoring thing can be extended a bit…”

Avery bites her bottom lip. “Extended how?”

“Hmm…” I place a hand on her waist, drawing her closer. “Let me show you.”

* * *

Thirty minutes later, the movie plays on my laptop, all but forgotten, and Avery is lying in my arms, resting her head in my favorite spot – in the center of my chest. Trailing my fingers lightly across her arms, I never want her to move from this spot. She fits perfectly tucked against me and her hair smells so good.

All too soon, Avery lifts her head to look up at me with sad eyes I wish were happy.

“Everything okay?” I ask. “Movie’s not too scary for you, is it?”

It’s more a psychological thriller than blood-and-gore, but she looks like something’s bothering her. I get the sense there’s something more on her mind than movies and cuddling. There’s a little crease in between her eyebrows and she drags her teeth across her bottom lip.

“It’s…never mind.” She drops her head to my chest, nestling herself in once again.

I’m torn on whether or not to let it go, but there’s a nagging feeling inside me. I roll us over on the bed so I’m hovering over top of her. Her eyes widen in surprise as our aligned bodies command her attention. I smooth her hair back from her face, tucking it behind her ears. “Hey, you know you can talk to me, right?”

She nods. “I’m not ready yet. I don’t want things to end between us.”

My thumb lingers on her cheek. I want to tell her she’s wrong, that she’s safe and this isn’t going to end, but something gives me pause and instead I nod. “Okay.”

I lean in and kiss her, soft at first, but after a few moments our kisses turn deeper and her legs wind themselves around my back, and I’m reminded of how long it’s been since I was with anyone. Not good. I force a deep breath into my lungs and let it out slowly, focusing on slowing our pace, even as Avery’s tongue flirts relentlessly with mine. A small frustrated groan escapes her throat as she tightens her legs around my waist, forcing her pelvis to rub against mine. I give in and grind back against her, my body reacting to the friction. Shiiit. She feels too good.

Several minutes later I break away, breathless with desire and her sleepy eyes meet mine at the sudden halt in action. “Avery…if you’re not sure about going further, I’m going to need to stop.” I wish I could phrase it a more graceful way, but f**k, she’s gonna make me come.

I can tell she’s conflicted – her body wants this, but her head isn’t so sure. “Hey, it’s okay. I just…haven’t been with anyone in a while and a certain part of my body likes you rubbing against up against him.”

She smiles with understanding. “I know. My body likes you too. A lot.”

What is she telling me? Does she want to go farther? “Avery?”

She swallows, summoning her courage. “I hate that I have to think about this. I want this. I do. I just…”

“Shh.” I silence her with a quick kiss. She’s thinking way too hard. “You had fun last night, right?”

A silly grin curves her mouth upward. “What gave you that idea?”

I kiss her again. “Hm. It might have tipped me off when you were screaming my name…”

Her cheeks flush. “Jase…”

“Yeah, baby?”

She’s stewing, working her bottom lip in between her teeth. “I wish I could just let go, be with you like I want to.”

I think I understand what she’s saying. She hates how her wounded past makes her cautious. I get it. I do. There are certain events in life that change a person. Like with my mom. I’ll probably never be that same carefree guy again. I’ll be more watchful, more aware that everything can be taken away when you least expect it. I just wish I could make things easier for her. “Let me take care of you. No thinking tonight. Be with me like you want to. Let me make you feel good.”

She nods. “Yes.”

I lean toward her and drop a soft kiss against her mouth, her throat, the curve of collarbone. Taking my time, I remove each piece of her clothing, kissing her exposed skin as I go, but leaving her panties in place. That will have to be her decision to make. I pull my shirt off over my head, needing to feel her warm skin against mine. I kiss each breast, rub against the damp barrier her panties provide until she’s moaning my name. Reading her body, I push the fabric aside and give her the contact she needs. Her knees fall apart and she whimpers loudly, rolling her hips. Watching Avery come is f**king hot. Suddenly I’m harder than I’ve ever been, but then Avery’s reaching her warm hand into my boxers and stroking me. Faster than I would have thought possible, I lose it. I curl my hand around hers to shield her from the mess that empties from me.

“Fuck, Avery.” I breathe, planting a kiss against her temple.

She smiles, content and clearly pleased with herself over making me come.

I grab some tissues from beside my bed and clean us both off, then lie back beside her. “Stay the night with me?” I ask.

“Yes.” Her eyes blaze with confidence and certainty.

I get the feeling she’s saying yes to more than just a sleepover. She’s saying yes to me, to life, and I pull her against me and hold her tight.