Page 31 of Save the Date

“No. That would have been super weird. But I do think it might be your best option to get comfy.”

“I think you’re right.” Emma hobbled over to the far end of the couch. She carefully scooted her butt all the way back and then put both her legs up. Will sat next to her. She felt herself get nervous, which meant she was about to start talking a mile a minute. “This couch is perfect. Where did you get it because my parents are looking—”

Without any warning Will interrupted her word vomit with his lips. They were soft and big and Emma immediately felt like she wanted to crawl inside his mouth. She kissed back without worrying if she was coming on too strong, and within seconds she moved to straddle him only to realize she couldn’t because of her knee. This left her in the uncomfortable position of hovering over him. After a moment of awkwardness, they both laughed.

“Sorry. I forgot I can’t bend my leg.” Emma moved herself back into her original position even though she wanted their bodies to keep touching.

“I’m sorry I came at you like that. It was pure instinct.”

Emma snorted at the callback. Then she had a second wave of delight as she realized they already had inside jokes. “Honestly, I’m glad you did. I hate the lead-up. It’s much better to get the first kiss out of the way so we can relax.”

“So why didn’t you kiss me on the first date?”

“Oh, you know, patriarchal double standards. And I’m a coward.”

Will laughed again as he tucked some hair behind her ear. “I’ve got two pitches for you right now. One: we order some food and put on a show. This option involves a lot of laughing and probably dessert. Two: I give you a tour of my apartment that ends in my bedroom. Totally up to you. Both options—”

“I’ll take the tour,” Emma replied as her heart raced.

“Great choice.” Will reached out to help her up. “Over there is the kitchen. This is the living room.” He put his hands on her waist, directing her from behind to walk down the narrow hallway. “To our left we have the one very small bathroom, but I assure you it gets the job done. And to our right—” Will veered Emma into his bedroom “—is where the magic happens.”

“Oh no. You ruined it,” Emma retorted without missing a beat.

“Damn it. How close was I to closing?”

“Soclose. But now I’ll have to leave and never speak to you again.”

“Wait! Give me a redo. Can I have a redo?”

“Fine.”

“Whew. Okay, come with me.” Will led Emma back out into the hallway to re-create the moment. He put his hands back on her waist and he once again navigated her into the room with the help of her cane. “And to our right,” he paused for dramatic effect, “is my bedroom.”

He looked at her expectantly, with his eyes wide and his head tilted to the side. She burst out laughing. “Much better.”

“Oh, thank god.” Will sighed before kissing her again.

Kissing standing up made it much easier for Emma to press her body against his. Her brain noted how much better it was to make out with someone closer to her own height—no neck craning or tiptoes involved.

As Will expertly moved them both toward the bed, Emma let her cane drop to the floor. It made a loud noise, breaking them apart, which offered a moment to check in with each other.

“Is this okay?” Will asked, breathing heavily, pausing on his way to take off her shirt.

Emma loved how obvious it was that he was into her. Ryan had always maintained his composure until right before he climaxed. It had made her feel self-conscious about fully giving in to the moment. But with Will she already felt like she could scream in ecstasy, and he would join her.

Emma reached her arms up to imply consent and make it easier for Will to undress her. She then leaned over and pulled his shirt off. His chest was covered in more dirty blond hair than one would expect from his boyish face. She immediately ran her hands through it.

“How should we…?” Will gestured to the brace on her leg.

“Maybe I should lie down first, so no risk of another collapse?”

“Great idea.”

They both made the final few steps to the bed. Emma lay down on her back, while Will remained standing. She took in his body and realized it didn’t feel weird or wrong that she was about to have sex with someone other than her ex-fiancé. For someone who was nervous ninety percent of the time, she felt in control and at ease.

Will gently took her right foot in his hand and slowly lifted her leg up. He expertly un-Velcroed each strap before slidingthe entire brace off and placing it lovingly on the floor. It felt more intimate than getting her underwear stripped off. Emma shimmied out of her leggings and pulled him on top of her. His full weight on her body made her feel both safe and horny.

“I like you a lot,” she confessed without thinking.

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