Page 24 of Queen’s Gambit

He had not only believed that I could climb a tree but had helped me get to the very top so we could look out at the world. We sat there for hours, and I never wanted to get down from our little hiding spot. He’d also been the one to show me how to handle the horses. His father had some at home to ride along the beach, but my father refused to let me near them, saying they were too dangerous.

Eddie didn’t see me as a pretty doll to be put on display. No, he encouraged me to do the things I loved, to follow my dreams, and not let anyone hold me back. I’d always been strong, but now I knew that I could do anything. I loved him all the more for it.

We climbed the stairs to the hay loft, and as soon as we got inside, I slid the heavy wooden door closed and latched it in place. Turning to face Eddie, he took me by surprise, cupping my face and devouring my lips. We’d shared a few small kisses that were more pecks than anything else, but this…this was storybook-worthy. It was exactly how I’d dreamed it would be.

My head spun, and I moaned, needing more. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I gave myself over to the desire coursing between us. We were electric when we touched. The world sang and it felt like I could breathe even though he took my breath away.

He picked me up like I weighed nothing, and my legs wrapped around his waist. It was only then that I realized how much taller and stronger he’d gotten since the last time we were together. It might have only been eight months, but it felt like a lifetime of torture. Our lips never parted as he walked across the massive loft and laid me down on a pile of straw.

I’d never been this close to anyone. I’d never touched someone so intimately. Feeling the weight of his body against mine was exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time.

“God, I’ve missed you, anima mia,” Eddie said against my lips.

“I’ve missed you more.

Getting a little braver, I ran my fingers through his hair. Eddie closed his eyes, groaning. The sound shot through my body and made me shiver.

“I’ve fantasized about holding you like this, of touching you and tasting your lips,” Eddie said, softly kissing my lips. “Now I fear that I’ll never be able to stop.”

“Do I taste how you imagined,” I asked, blushing.

Eddie smiled, his stormy eyes shining as he stared down at me.

“Better...like sweet passionfruit.”

He licked his lips, and I bit mine.

“That’s my lip gloss,” I said, unsure of my response. I was out of my depth.

“Lip gloss, no lip gloss…you’d taste just as sweet to me.” His lips grazed my cheek, making me shiver.

How did he manage to find such beautiful words? I couldn’t even seem to put two logical thoughts together when he was near me. I searched his face and then looked away as a nagging voice of insecurity crept inside my mind. I wasn’t ready to go any further, and he was seventeen. What if he had girls throwing themselves at him all the time? Maybe that was how he got so good at saying all the pretty words. We only saw one another once or twice a year, and I knew that boys had needs, and…my head was spinning.

“Hey…where did you go?”

My gaze darted up to his.

“Have you been with anyone,” I asked, not really sure I wanted the answer.

“Is that what you’re worried about?” He ran his thumb over my bottom lip. “Why Ana Mikhailov, is that jealousy I detect?”

Eddie pushed up and laid on his side, running his fingers up and down my arm. I rolled over to face him.

“Don’t make fun. I’m serious. We don’t see each other often…and I know you must want to or have already, and⁠—”

“Stop, Ana. I don’t want anyone else.” Reaching out, he cupped my cheek, and I leaned into his touch. “I love you. That doesn’t come with conditions. Yes, girls hit on me.” My anger flared, and jealousy spiked, making Eddie smile. “Oh, how I love that look in your eyes. I really like this side of you. Maybe I should tell you more about how they flirt instead of how I turn them down.”

Sitting up with a snarl, I glared at him.

“Ugh, I hate you.”

Before I got to my feet, Eddie yanked me back down, trapping me under his body.

“I love how fiercely you love me,” Eddie said, as his eyes roamed over my face.

“Does that mean you turn them all away?”

His lips touched my neck, and my pulse fluttered erratically.