Page 54 of Crossing Between
I complied, picking up the pace, driving into her with increasing force. The meadow was filled with the sounds of our passion. Skin against skin, breathless moans, whispered encouragements.
I could feel her getting close, her inner muscles beginning to flutter around me. Determined to make this good for her, I slipped a hand between us, finding her sensitive clit and circling it with my thumb.
The effect was immediate. She cried out, her back arching as her climax washed over her. The sight of her coming undone beneath me was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen.
Her release triggered my own. With a final, powerful thrust, I joined her in ecstasy, waves of pleasure crashing over me as I emptied myself inside her.
Afterward, we lay tangled together underthe stars, our breathing gradually returning to normal. I held her close, unwilling to let go even for a moment.
"That was...wow." She seemed at a loss for words.
"Yeah," I agreed, pressing a kiss to her temple.
We stayed like that for a long time, talking softly, exchanging lazy kisses, until the night air grew too cool. Reluctantly, we dressed and packed up our picnic.
As I drove us back to her apartment, her hand rested on my thigh, a comfortable weight that felt like it belonged there. The connection between us had deepened, transformed into something precious.
Back at her place, we fell into bed together, exhausted but content. As sleep began to claim me, I felt her snuggle closer, her head finding that perfect spot on my chest.
"Kenji?" Her voice was already heavy with approaching sleep.
"Hmm?"
"Best first date ever."
I smiled into the darkness, tightening my arm around her. "Just wait till you see what I have planned for the second one."
Her soft laugh was the last thing I heard before drifting off, my heart fuller than it had ever been.
Chapter 34: Zoey
I woke to the scent of fresh coffee and sunlight streaming through my curtains. Last night with Kenji still felt like a dream with the meadow, the dancing, the mochi that heightened every sensation. My body was pleasantly sore in all the right places, a reminder of how thoroughly he'd claimed me.
Rolling over, I found his side of the bed empty but still warm. The pillow held the faint scent of him, something woodsy and distinctly his. I stretched languidly, feeling more relaxed than I had in weeks despite the looming threat of the Essencefeaster.
After pulling on one of my brightest sundresses, a kaleidoscope of oranges and pinks that would probably make Varon wince (Score!), I padded barefoot through my apartment. The floorboards creaked in that familiar way that always felt like home.
"Morning," I called out, following the coffee scent to the kitchen.
"On the porch," Kenji's voice drifted back. "Brought breakfast for Ruth, too."
I grabbed a mug of tea and Kenji had thoughtfully madefor me as well and headed outside. The morning air was crisp, carrying the promise of a beautiful day. Ruth sat in her usual chair, a fresh beer already in hand despite the early hour. Kenji lounged on the step below her, both of them laughing about something.
"Well, look who finally decided to join the living," Ruth cackled, eyeing me over her beer can. "Thought that boy might've worn you out completely."
Heat rushed to my face. "Ruth!"
"What? I'm old, not dead. I can recognize the glow of a woman who's been properly serviced."
Kenji burst out laughing, not even having the decency to look embarrassed. "I like her more every time we talk."
I rolled my eyes, settling on the step beside him. "I see you two are getting along famously."
"Your oni here brought me these amazing little rice balls with fish in them," Ruth said, pointing to an empty container. "Told me all about your date last night. Well, the PG parts anyway."
"I made onigiri," Kenji explained, sliding a plate toward me. "Saved you some."
"Thank you," I said, leaning against his shoulder briefly. The casual intimacy felt so natural now. "Still shocked you can cook."
