Page 46 of Festive Faking
She zipped her lips immediately.
If this was how I got through to her, then so be it.
“The day you walked into that Intro to Structural Design workshop, I couldn’t take my eyes off you, and I haven’t been able to stop since. You’re so fucking beautiful that there are days I wonder what kind of favors your parents had to promise God because I’ve never met another woman who has drawn my attention by simply existing.” I huffed out a wry laugh. “And for two years, I was forced to sit there, tortured that you wanted absolutely nothing to do with me.”
Pointing a finger to her chest in disbelief, she stammered, “M-me? You wanted me?”
“Yes, you.” I moved closer.
Confusion flickered over her features. “But then, why did you go out of your way to get under my skin?”
My lips buzzed with the heavy breath I let out. “Because I wanted your attention so badly that I’d rather have it in a negative capacity than have none at all.”
Yes, it was a juvenile response; I knew that.
For a minute, she simply stared at me, eyes scanning like they were trying to spot the lie. Like she was still in denial that I’d been interested long before this week when we were forced together.
“Any more questions?” I arched an eyebrow.
Shyly, she gestured toward the bed against the far wall. “You—You still want to . . .”
“Hell yes, I still want to.” I crowded her space, caging her in with both my hands pressed to the chilly wood at her back. “Does it alter my plans? Sure. But don’t be getting into your head, thinking that’s a bad thing.” I flashed her a wolfish grin. “Just means I’m gonna take my sweet time warming you up, honey.”
Aspen swallowed, her throat muscles bobbing so beautifully that it reminded me of our conversation in the car.
“And we’ll save the face fucking for another day. Tonight’s gonna be all about you,” I vowed.
She dipped her chin, shooting a pointed look at where I was still hard for her. “But I want you to feel good too.”
I couldn’t stop the husky laugh that worked its way up my throat. “Oh, baby. It’s gonna feel fucking amazing.”
Thinking back on it now, her behavior in the truck—apologizing after her tentative first touches—should have alerted me to her inexperience. My gentle encouragement had been enough to allow her to explore, and when she realized how much she affected me, her confidence grew.
Tonight, I wouldn’t hold back. I’d make sure to be extra vocal to ensure she knew exactly how much I enjoyed bringing her pleasure. I had a feeling that taking it slow and gentle was going to rock my world. Because I cared deeply for Aspen. I couldn’t say that about a single one of my previous sexual partners.
Dropping a soft kiss on her lips, I stepped back, offering Aspen my hand. “Come on, let me show you.”
There was only a brief moment of hesitation before she tangled her fingers with mine. “Okay.”
Chapter 19
Aspen
Mac continued to surpriseme. I thought for sure when I explained that I’d never had sex before, he would want to stop. Surely, he had to know this was a monumental moment in my life. That, no matter what happened, I would never forget him as being my first. I could only imagine the amount of pressure that placed on him, as to whether I would view it as a positive experience or a negative one.
Even though there had been moments leading up to this one, where I’d pictured what it might be like to have a physical relationship with Mac, I was nervous.
My heart raced.
My palm grew sweaty in his warm grip.
My chest tightened, and I couldn’t take a deep breath.
My feet dragged just the tiniest bit as we made our way across the room toward the bed.
Fear of the unknown was very real.
Sensing my apprehension, Mac cradled my face once we reached the foot of the bed. Slowly, he pressed his lips to mine, teasing his tongue along the seam until I granted him entry. His kiss made me dizzy; I could feel it all the way to my toes. The way he seemed to savor it, with lazy strokes and playful nips, was intoxicating.
