Page 46 of Tides of Change
As we stepped out into the cool night air, his hand brushed mine again—so close. Almost there.
One step at a time.I wouldn’t push.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Garrett
I drove us home and parked in my driveway. The walk to Ethan’s house was quiet, the distant sound of the ocean waves a soothing balm for my nerves. But I could feel the tension in the air—the kind that made my skin hum and my thoughts spiral to what the evening could bring. His presence at my side anchored and electrified me all at once.
When we reached his front porch, he fumbled with his keys, probably as off-center as I was.
Inside, we kicked off our shoes.
He tilted his head toward the kitchen. “Glass of wine? Beer?” he asked, his polite question that of a gracious host.
I shook my head. “I’m good.” I didn’t want the alcohol talking tonight—I wanted a clear head. Anticipation curled in my gut, and I took a step closer.
“Ethan.” My heart skipped a beat at the weight in my tone.
“Yeah?” he asked, barely more than a whisper.
I reached out and brushed an auburn curl off his forehead, and my fingers lingered against his skin. The touch sent a shiver down my spine, and I craved more. “I’ve been wanting to dothis all evening,” I murmured, and traced the line of his softly bristled jaw with my thumb.
“Then do it,” he whispered and closed the distance between us, clutching my shoulders.
I didn’t need more encouragement. I slid my hand to the back of his neck and pulled him into a kiss that was slow and deliberate. His lips were warm and soft, moving against mine with a confidence that left me breathless. I sank into him, my hands finding his waist and my fingers curled into the yarn of his sweater. My cock swelled. I wanted more—if he did. I broke the kiss, panting, and leaned my forehead against his. “Let’s move to the couch.”
He nodded and took my hand. With a gentle pull, he led me to the sofa.
When my butt hit the cushions, I pulled him close, thigh to thigh. My hands framed his face as I deepened the kiss, and his tongue teased mine in a rhythm that made my groin ache.
“I can’t get enough of your kisses,” I murmured against his lips, my voice husky and raw.
“Same.” He ran his hands up my back, leaving goosebumps in their wake. “You’re taking the lead tonight. Whatever you want to do—as much or as little—you let me know.”
I nipped at his bottom lip. “I…I’m not sure. I’ve never done this before.” I didn’t know what to do with a man. I knew the basics, of course. Iwasa man, and I knew what I liked. But what would Ethan enjoy? How could I please him?
How could we pleasure each other?
Here I was, thirty-six years old, and yet I hadn’t felt so inexperienced and vulnerable since I was a teenager first exploring sex.
“Hey.” His gaze was soft, understanding. “You’re thinking too hard. Just go with your gut and explore.”
It was as if he’d yanked the thought from my mind.ThatI could do. I wrapped my arms around him and pulled him closer until there was no space left between us. I kissed him again, more frantically this time, tracing fervent patterns down his neck and around his shoulders.
“We don’t have to rush,” he whispered against my ear. “We can do whatever you want at your pace.”
“I want… I don’t know what I want.” I adjusted my hard cock, trapped in my jeans. “I just want to…” I couldn’t finish the sentence, but he got the picture.
He chuckled darkly. “I think we can manage that.” He rubbed his hand against the bulge of my jeans, then fingered my belt buckle. “May I?”
“Please,” I whispered. But I didn’t know exactly what I was begging for.
He opened my belt and slid my zipper down while I held my breath. I levered off the couch and shoved my briefs and jeans to my knees. My dick sprang free of its confinement, stretching toward my belly. I sighed in relief.
Ethan made a little noise in the back of his throat that sounded like approval. He reached out and lightly ran a warm, soft finger up my length. I gasped at the electrifying sensation.
“Wait!” exploded from me.
