Page 46 of Before the Storm
“A condom,” he said.
“Oh. Birth control,” she said. That would have been something she would have completely forgotten about and it did remind her of all the things in this world she didn’t truly understand, even if she did. It was those little nuances of it all that passed her by.
He held her gaze, settling between her legs, entering her slowly.
It felt so different from what she remembered. With Jim, it had been rushed. Harsh. Sweaty. Gross.
This was a fairy tale. Phoenix stared into her eyes. He kissed her sweetly. He rocked in and out of her like a waltz. It was as if they fit together like the last piece of a puzzle.
And the buildup.
Holy shit. She thought she was going to explode.
Which she did.
Her climax hit hard and fast. It rocked her so intensely she cried out his name and dug her nails into his back, arching her hips high. Her lungs burned and she couldn’t catch her breath. The moment she thought she could, another orgasm flew through her system.
And then his orgasm clashed with her third.
For a long time, she lay there, staring at the ceiling, unable to move, much less catch her breath.
He rolled to the side, pulling the covers over their bodies.
“Oh my God,” she managed. “I had no idea it could be like that.”
“Neither did I.” He kissed her shoulder.
“Don’t joke with me.”
“I’m not.” He tilted her chin with his finger. “I won’t lie to you. I’ve been with a few women in my day. I’m not proud of that. But I’m not ashamed either. However, no one has matteredto me as much as you have and I can’t explain right now in words what I’m feeling except to say I care very deeply for you.”
“You don’t have to say?—”
He hushed her by pressing his lips over her mouth. “I know I don’t have to say anything. I’m telling you how I feel because I want to.”
She snuggled in close, wrapping her arms and legs around his body. “I care about you too.” She let out a long sigh. “I don’t know that I’ve ever cared about anyone like this.”
“Same goes for me.” He kissed her temple. “We should get some sleep. We both have to work in the morning.”
“Good night, boyfriend.”
He chuckled. “I like the sound of that.”
“It does have a nice ring to it.” She closed her eyes and felt a great sense of belonging for the first time in her life.
10
“You’ve got an extra spring in your step this morning.”
Phoenix tried to rein in his smile but gave up. He shrugged. “It’s a beautiful day.”
Nelson laughed. “I’d really like to know what put that grin on your face.”
“I have my suspicions.” Maverick leaned against the bar. “I believe her name’s Janelle and she’s got one to match.”
“Fuck off.” Phoenix lifted his soda and chugged, wishing it was closer to five so he could justify having a beer. “And don’t you dare razz her.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.” Nelson raised his hands.
