“Harder, Ben,” I moan, digging my nails into his shoulder. “I’m good now.” He holds my gaze and I nod, reassuring him I really am okay. He slowly increases his thrusts until he’s pounding into me. I can feel my orgasm right there, but I don’t want to come, not yet. I don’t want this to end. I’m powerless to stop it, though, and it hits me like a tidal wave. My release must trigger his, and he comes on a cry, dropping his head into the crook of my neck.
When we’ve both caught our breath, he presses a kiss on my shoulder and holds me close.
“Are you okay, baby?” he asks softly. “I didn’t hurt you?”
I smile. “I’m good, Ben.”
He kisses me softly and gently pulls out. I wince slightly at the sting left behind, but fortunately, Ben doesn’t see.
“I’ll just clean up,” he says as he stands. I sit up on my elbows and smile. He smiles back. “What?”
“I’m just enjoying the view.”
And what a view it is. He might be older than me, but you’d never know. His body is like a work of art, and I can’t take my eyes off him.
He chuckles. “Unless you’re ready for round two, Ashlyn, which I doubt you are, you should stop looking at me like that.”
I feign ignorance. “Like what?”
“You know. I’ll be right back.”
He winks before turning and leaving the room. I flop backwards onto the bed, bringing my arm up over my eyes. Tonight was a complete disaster at my parents’ house, but what Ben and I share, both physically and emotionally, is undeniable.I’ve never felt this way about anyone before, and that can’t be wrong. It just can’t.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Ben
Ican’t help but grin as I stand just outside Ash’s classroom, listening to her sing,
completely off-key, to some country song. It’s terrible, but I love seeing her so carefree. The past few days have been rough since the dinner at her parents' house and the argument with her brothers. She's been quieter than usual, and I can't help but worry about her. Even though she swears she doesn’t care what her brothers think, she isn’t fooling me.
When the song ends, I set my bag down and lean around the doorway, clapping loudly. She jumps at the sound, then bursts out laughing.
“Oh, God,” she groans, dropping her head into her hands. “You heard that?”
I chuckle. “Every single word.”
I step inside the room and pull her into my arms. The kids are long gone, as well as most of the staff.
“What are you doing?” she asks, looping her arms around my neck.
“Kissing my girlfriend,” I say softly.
She smiles, though there’s a flicker of hesitation. “What if someone sees?”
“I don’t care who sees, Ash.”
Her smile grows, and her eyes lock onto mine. Slowly, I lower my head and press my lips to hers. It starts gentle, but it doesn’t stay that way for long. She melts into me, her mouth parting as our tongues tangle, and when she lets out a soft moan, I have to force myself to pull back before things go too far.
“You’re still coming over tonight, right?” I murmur against her lips.
She sighs and steps back, slipping out of my arms. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
I thought I’d convinced her to come to dinner tonight. Laney’s going to be there, and I get why Ash is nervous about seeing her again, especially after how things went down at Eden. But we can’t avoid this forever. Laney needs to see us together if she’s ever going to accept us.
“Yeah, I am,” I say, giving her hand a squeeze. “Laney’s under strict instructions to behave. Plus… I want you in my space.”
She gives me a small nod. “Okay. I’ll come.”
