“Wow,” she breathes, echoing my earlier sentiment. She’s looking at my cock in my boxer briefs and it’s so hard I’m shocked it hasn’t poked a hole through the cotton. “Can I see it?”

I’m grateful the lights are off because the blush no doubt rising on my cheeks is hidden.

“Okay,” I say, pulling my briefs down. This can’t be normal. Aren’t we supposed to be doing more kissing and touching and less talking? We should be on the bed now.

“But now I’m naked and you’re not. That’s not fair.” I rest my hands on her hips and slip my fingers into the waistband of her panties. “May I?”

Her response is a sharp intake of breath and a rapid nod. I lower them down her legs, dropping to my knees as I go. At the sight of her neatly trimmed black curls, I realize I am probably not going to survive the evening. I am going to die a virgin. No way can I caress and kiss and make love to this beautiful woman and not have a heart attack. Maybe I’m already dead and I’m in Heaven. I could believe that.

“Declan,” Miranda says. “I know we’re supposed to be romantic and all sorts of good stuff, but I’m freezing. Can we get under the covers, please?”

“Of course.” I stand and reach around her to pull back the comforter and sheets on my bed to let her slide in. She scoots over to the other side to make room for me too.

“Oh,” she says with a sigh. “The flannel feels good against my skin and your bed is cozy. I can’t believe I’m here with you.” She rolls to her side and snuggles next to me. I extend my arm inviting her head to rest on my shoulder. I lower my head to kiss her and it’s like a match set to the fuse of a firework. We ignite and explode in a flurry of feelings and movement. Our hands roam each other’s bodies. Our mouths kiss, suck, and nibble everywhere we can reach. I can feel how wet Miranda is for me.

“Please Declan. I want you. Now.” She opens her legs wider, allowing my hips to nestle against her.

“Are you sure? I don’t want to hurt you.”

“It will be fine. Please. Make me yours.”

That is all the encouragement I need. I take my cock in hand and rub the head against her slickness. Placing it at her opening, I slowly push in. All the Saints in Heaven, I swear I’m going to die. She is wet and warm and tight. I’m going to embarrass myself here. I’m ready to blow. Just from having a couple of inches in her.

“Fuck…,” I moan.

“Yeah, kind of the point,” she says breathlessly. Even at a time like this, she’s got jokes. No wonder I love her.

“Are you okay?” I ask.

“I will be. Please. Please Declan, I want you. All of you.”

I push in further. And then pull back out most of the way. I thrust in again. And again. This is incredible. How do people ever do anything other than make love? I think this is my new favorite thing. I thrust a couple more times and a tingle starts at the base of my spine. Oh no, not yet. I don’t want this to end yet. I try to hold back my release, but I can’t. I give one last thrust and then I’m shuddering, releasing everything I have into Miranda’s incredible body. Happy New Year to me.

17

MIRANDA

I hold Declan’s body, still trembling from the aftershocks of his orgasm, against mine. His weight is comforting, not crushing. Wow. I can’t believe what we did. I had sex—made love—with Declan Makenzie. He loves me, he wants to marry me and have children and make a home. I will finally have a home I won’t have to leave. Tears slip from my eyes, and one must drip onto his face tucked against my neck because his head pops up.

“Oh, Miranda, I’m sorry. Please don’t cry. I’m sorry.” His beautiful blue eyes are sad and breaking my heart.

“What? What’s wrong?” I ask.

“You’re crying. Did I hurt you? I’m sorry I didn’t last longer.”

Oh, this dear man. I pull his face to mine and press a kiss to his lips. He sighs and kisses me back and slowly lifts his head. His eyes are a little less sad. That’s a win.

“You didn’t hurt me. I’m crying because I’m happy. I never thought I’d have this with you. This is everything I’ve ever wanted. I love you. This was perfect.”

The skeptical look on his face makes me giggle.

“It was perfect,” I insist.

“You didn’t come.”

“We were both virgins. The first time is awkward for everyone. Anyone who says differently is either lying or a character in a romance novel.”

We both start laughing and Dec rolls to my side. Uh…