Page 10 of Forever

“This has been one overwhelming day, one would think you’d sleep like a baby.”

“I can sleep …” When you are gone. That’s what I wanted to say, but I stop myself on time. “Later.”

It’s one of our unspoken rules. Not to mention out loud how much time we have left. Just be. Just enjoy. Just love.

For the last twelve months, that’s been our motto.

“You could have woken me up.”

“I like to watch you sleep.”

“Creepy much?” She raises her brows in question, but I can hear the teasing tone in her voice.

“Don’t be a smartass.” I rub her nose. “You look peaceful and sweet when you’re asleep.”

“I’m always peaceful and sweet.”

“In your dreams, Tink.”

“I do.” When she sees my confused look, she elaborates, “Dream of you.”

“I dream of you too.”

Silence settles upon us. We don’t break it. There is nothing to be said. We just exist. Together. In our own world where the only thing that matters is to hold her close. To feel her body heat and the steady beat of her heart. To feel her hot breath on my skin and the rise and fall of her chest as she breathes.

I don’t know for how long it stretches, but like she can read my mind, Anabel whispers, “I miss this the most, you know? These moments when it’s just you and me. No people, no sounds. Just darkness and us. I miss being in your arms, when our hearts beat as one and we just are.”

“I know, Tink.” I move one, lone, runaway strand of her hair out of her face. “I miss this too.”

Those blue eyes look at me, and I lose myself in her penetrating stare. Without breaking our eye contact, I lower my head and my lips touch hers. Again, and again.

It’s slow and sweet.

Just a caress of her lips.

Tease of my tongue.

Soft suck of her bottom lip.

Bel softly sighs. Opening her mouth, she invites me in. My fingers tangle in her messy hair, and I deepen our kiss. I taste her mouth and our tongues dance to their own beat.

One of her hands goes to my nape and pulls me closer. With the other, she traces my chest.

My body reacts to her touch. Like a siren, she has me under her spell, and all I can think about is more.

I need more of her touches.

More of her kisses.

More of her.

All of her.

I break our kiss. My forehead touches hers, and we stare at each other as our breathing returns to normal. With hands securely wrapped around her, I pull her to my chest, my hand slowly caressing her back. Because for tonight, this is enough.

For tonight, I only want to hold her.

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