Page 52 of The Summer We Played Pretend

Chloe shifts, moving to straddle my lap without breaking the kiss. I lock my hands around her waist, steadying her, drawing her closer.

The silky feel of her hair as it brushes my face. The warmth of her skin beneath my palms. It’s all sent to drive me insane and I can’t get enough of her. I don’t even remember my stupid injured hand as I tug at the fabric of her top.

“Chloe,” I manage to mutter between kisses as if it will bring some sense to this. It’s hard to believe I get to touch her, to kiss her. I’ve never needed someone so badly.

She threads her fingers through my hair, tugging lightly, and I can't help the low groan that escapes me.

"Jackson," she breathes against my mouth. The sound of my name on her lips sends a shiver down my spine.

I pull back slightly, taking in her flushed cheeks and bright eyes. "Is this okay?" I ask, my hands resting lightly on her hips.

Chloe nods, a shy smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "More than okay," she whispers, leaning in to press a soft kiss to the corner of my jaw.

Every muscle in my body tightens as she trails kisses along my neck and I fight another shiver.

Slowly, hesitantly, I let my hands wander upward. When I cup her breasts through the soft fabric of her t-shirt and bra gently, Chloe lets out a soft gasp of pleasure. The sound makes me want to toss her onto the bed and touch every inch of her but I force myself to go slow.

"That feels nice,” she sighs.

"You're beautiful," I tell her, my voice rough.

Our gazes lock, and I see a flicker of vulnerability there. It reminds me to slow down, to savor this moment. I don't want to rush things or push her too far.

Gently, I draw her back down to me, capturing her lips in another kiss. This one is slower, deeper, filled with all the words I can't quite bring myself to say yet.

As our lips part, I wrap my arms around Chloe, drawing her down onto the bed beside me. I keep my arm around her and she shifts slightly, hooking a leg over me. I try not to think about how hard she’s making me as her fingers trace idle patterns on my arm.

"I...I should probably tell you something."

I tilt my head to look at her. "You can tell me anything, Chlo."

She takes a deep breath, her cheeks flushing. "I’ve never...you know...been with anyone," she finally says, avoiding my gaze. "You probably guessed."

Christ. I knew it was a possibility but she and Brendan had been together for a while and it sounds like Brendan definitely isn’t keeping it in his pants since they broke up.

God, I hate that guy.

I’m glad they never had sex, though.

“I wasn’t sure,” I reply gently.

"It's just...I've never wanted anyone the way I want you, Jackson. But it's also a little scary."

I pull her closer, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "I get it. And, honestly, I’ve never wanted someone like I want you.”

“Yeah.” Her voice is a little hollow.

“But, also, I'm just happy being with you. We don't have to do anything you're not ready for."

“You don’t mind?”

“Is it easy, touching you and not going further?” I shake my head. “No. You’re gorgeous, and yeah, I want more. But if kisses are all you ever want, I’d be fine with that, too.” I chuckle as her eyes widen. “It’s worth it just to spend time with you. I want you for more than your body, Chlo.”

“Okay.” Her responding smile is so sweet it makes me want to tell her how hot and amazing she is all day long just so I can see that grin all the time.

“Let's just see where life takes us, okay?"

Chloe snuggles closer to me. "Sounds good.”

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