Page 43 of Midnight Ink

“No, I do. Nervous, I guess.”

“Well, I’ll be incredible enough for the two of us.”

Ian shakes his head. “You ever stop talking?”

I stand, bracing my arms on either side of him while he sits on my bed. Fuck he’s a pretty boy. “I told you. Only when my mouth is distracted.”

He pushes me away with a smile. Damn, he drives me crazy. Every day I wake up like something amazing is waiting to happen. I’ve never been this happy in my life. He just sparks something in me and this feeling is unmatched.

Ian is spicy and okay, yes, a little grouchy, but pushing his buttons is my favorite thing.

I watch his eyes dip to the floor. I feel his nerves leech into my skin. I’ve had sex before but I know he hasn’t, and I want this to be good for him. I want to be good for him. “Hey. Look at me.” He blinks up. “If you’re not ready⁠—”

“No, I am.” A nervous smile slips onto his lips. “I just don’t want to be bad. I think I’ve scrubbed every inch of my skin raw.”

I crouch down in front of him. That little flip my chest does when he’s near grows more violent. Anna has given me so much shit, but I can’t help it. I’m gone for this guy. I don’t even care. “Look at me, babe.” He does and I nearly fall right into his eyes. “It’s going to be great, and the good part is, it will only get better.” I get up, kissing him between the eyes, and go to the end table with the bag we got from the drug store.

Sometimes Ian needs a little push. It’s the same with the tattoo machine. He thought he’d be no good at it, but he’s a natural.

Now let’s see if he’s a natural at this. Honestly, he could just lie there and let me worship his body and it would still be the best sex ever. I just really want this to be good for him. I’ve never been someone’s first, and this is a big deal. “Condoms?”

He drags a hand over his lips, eyes fixed on the floor. Nerves roll off him. He swallows then lifts his chin, watching me. “I mean, you got tested after the last time you did it, right?”

“Of course, but we can do whatever you’re comfortable with.”

“No condoms.” His gaze fixes back onto the floor. I like to play and joke with him, but this feels heavy and he seems so nervous. I just want to ease his mind. I grab the lube and join him on the bed. I slip my hand into his with a squeeze and pull his attention to me.

“It’s going to be great.”

“Do you . . .” Color creeps up his neck, warming his cheeks and making his freckles stand out. Fuck, I want to lick them. “Bottom?”

The smell of his body wash is fucking with my head. “Yeah.” His face brightens more, red decorating his collarbone.

A heavy breath slips from his lips. “I’m so nervous.”

I wasn’t sure what he’d want to do, but I’m open to anything. I just want him. Skin to skin. It doesn’t matter how it happens. “Hey.” He looks at me. “Kiss me.”

All my worry melts with the press of his soft lips. Damn he’s a good kisser. Soft and strong. My hand laces around his bicep, pulling him into me. “Just relax. I got you.”

He yields under me as I push him back against the bed, then he moves up until he’s resting on the pillows. I straddle his waist then kiss him harder, groaning when his tongue comes out to play with mine. “How do you want it?”

“I use the massager. I uh, I’ve never used anything bigger. I’m not sure if I’ll like it like this, though.” He looks at me. “I’m just nervous.”

“I like both. I don’t really care.” I smooth his auburn hair back. “Give me a bit and I can go prep. We can do it that way.”

“No.” Ian thinks for a moment then shakes his head. “I want to try.”

“Oh, we can try.” I grin, kissing his mouth, then pull my attention down to drool at his chest. Man, he’s beautiful.

“What?”

“Just looking at my real estate.” Ian rolls his eyes. “I’m telling you, a galaxy tattoo right across your beautiful chest.” I run my palm along it. “Right up to your neck.”

“All I am is a canvas to you.”

“The most beautiful canvas in the world.” I kiss him. “Lie back, okay. Relax, and if you don’t like something, don’t be afraid to tell me. We’re finding what works and what doesn’t.”

“You won’t be mad if I don’t like it?”