Nick smothered a yawn as he walked down the hallway of the Pediatric ICU wing. He had spent the largest part of the morning at Children and Youth Services filing for the adoption of one Zachary Doe. He had a long interview with the social service worker on his case. And, mentioning that he had a long-term relationship with Alana Moore had certainly increased the likelihood of the adoption processing forward. It was exciting to hear that in a few weeks he would know whether or not he definitely had Zachary as his adopted son, knowing that the encouraging smile of the social worker meant he would most likely be decorating a nursery very soon. He kept the news to himself, however, not wanting to jinx his chances as he entered Baylee's private room.
"Nicky!" Baylee exclaimed suddenly, shattering the man's thoughts as he paused in the doorway. The child's eyes were shimmering with excitement as he sat in his bed, coloring on a pair of light blue Converses that Alana had bought for him to decorate. All the swelling from his sick heart had subsided and he was now breathing normally. Only remnants of the surgery were the staples running along his chest. The tubes having already been pulled because his discharge was imminent.
"How you feeling today, Bay?" Nick questioned with a grin as he moved to settle on the edge of the bed, muffling another yawn as he laid back, watching Baylee draw.
"Lizzie comin' t'play after lunch," Baylee informed him with a grin. "An' Daddy said that when I go home, I c'n come an' visit her!"
"She gets to go home a few days after Scooper does, so they'll be seeing each other almost every day," Brian guessed with a chuckle as he glanced up from his magazine. He watched Nick for several moments and decided that his friend couldn't have looked better. There had been a brief mention that he and Alana had talked about her family, so Brian assumed everything was cleared between them. Now, she just needed to admit that she loved him. "Nat took Alana out to lunch, so you just missed her."
"It's lunch time already?" Nick questioned in surprise, dragging a hand through his hair. It seemed only moments before he had been cuddling with Zachary before the interview. Since his decision to adopt, he had been spending every available moment with the baby, asking the nurses to explain every detail about the care the child was receiving. Though, his thoughts shifted when he realized he hadn't seen Alana all day. "Say, B… Why don't you and Nat go do something tonight? You haven't left the hospital since Bay's surgery… I'll see if Alana'll stay with me and Bay for a while. You need a break--"
"'Lana stay here'd?" Baylee inquired with a hopeful smile, handing one of the shoes over to Nick for inspection. His dark blue eyes twinkled merrily as he planned out his evening. "I missed my 'Lana, Daddy. You and Knot go bye-bye. 'Lana watch Lion King wi'f me! Her can be Nala and Nicky can be Simba! 'Course when Nicky wants'ta be Simba wi'f 'Lana, she says she be Scar and he be Mufasa 'stead!"
"Scar and Mufasa?" Brian repeated, raising one eyebrow as he set his magazine aside. "And why's that, Scooper?"
"'Cause her can throw him off the mountain this time!"
"Oh, Good Lord--"
"Bay, c'mere," Nick interrupted, tapping the boy lightly on the shoulder to divert his attention. When Baylee turned, he pointed to a small blank spot on the side of the shoe he held. "What are you going to put there?"
"That's for you," Baylee explained as he handed Nick a black permanent marker. "You was mad that you no get to make shoes for 'Lana. So, I save you room."
"But… I don't know what to write--"
"Something for 'Lana, duh!"
"Well thank you, Captain Obvious!"
"You two… Sometimes I think I should have adopted you as a second son, Nick," Brian laughed as Baylee made a face at Nick when his back was turned. But, when Nick whipped around, Baylee looked completely innocent as he held out the marker. "…He's really going to miss Alana when he's discharged."
"Her goin' away?" Baylee questioned in confusion, unable to imagine any reason why he would miss Alana. The woman had become what he considered a permanent fixture in his life.
"How's that shoe tasting, Frick? Hope it's clean," Nick laughed as he began writing on the shoe.
"Shut up, Nick," Brian mumbled with a scowl, glancing toward his son who was holding the opposite shoe, patiently waiting for an answer. "You're all better, Scooper. Which means we get to go home. You won't have to stay at the hospital anymore. You won't need Alana."
"But… Her's my 'Lana, Daddy," Baylee explained, furrowing his flaxen brows. "I needs her for'eber…"
"I'm sure she'll let you call her on the telephone. Like we do with Nicky when he goes back to Florida or California, whichever he decides."
"But what if George an' Simba get sick an' need new 'tuffing?" Baylee questioned, his voice turning into a high-pitched whine. "What if my scar 'urts? I need 'Lana, Daddy!"
Brian winced. "Scooper--"
"Great parenting skills there, Papa Bear," Nick announced capping the marker.
"I no better, Daddy! I 'till sick!" Baylee insisted, pushing at Nick until the man stumbled from the bed. Burrowing under the covers, he peeked out with a hurt expression. "Need 'Lana, Daddy," he whined, dramatically draping his arm across his face. "I sick…"
"Scooper, you are not--"
"Jungle Boogie Boy, what are you doing wrapped up in all those covers?" Alana questioned in surprise, stopping halfway inside the doorway to watch Baylee's antics. She had thought about just dropping Natalie off at the hospital, but the older woman insisted she come up. Settling her hands against her hips, she shook her head in disbelief, her golden strawberry locks spilling over her shoulders from her long ponytail. She was a picture of perfection in a pair of worn, scuffed, and ripped, hip hugging jeans and a simple white racer back tank top. Simple and beautiful, though Natalie caught Brian's attention immediately in her jean skirt and light peasant top.
"'Lana!" Baylee squealed, sitting up. Suddenly remembering, though, he quickly laid back down, drawing the covers up to his chin as he regarded her with a sorrowful look. "I sick, 'Lana… I need you…"
Natalie glanced over at Brian with a sigh. "You told him, didn't you?"
From the chair closest to the bed, Nick chuckled, thoroughly amused at Brian's mishap. "Without any sugarcoating at all!"
"Well, I need you, too," Alana promised, kicking off her shoes as she ignored the other adults. Crawling onto the full sized hospital bed, she pulled away the blankets so she could burrow inside. Exhaling a soft sigh, she curled her arms around Baylee's small form, tucking her face against his shoulder. Every day she saw Baylee was a reminder of how fantastically well he was doing. A reminder that he would soon be leaving; along with his family. Which meant Nick would be departing and she wasn't sure she could handle that. Frowning, she kissed his bare shoulder. "We'll be sick together."
Baylee opened his mouth to reply, squeaking when the covers on the other side of the bed lifted. Glancing up, he grinned when he saw Nick crawling into the bed. "Nicky sick too, 'Lana," he announced over Brian's attempts to explain his actions to Natalie. "He need you. You make him feel better, otay?"
"And what is Nicky so sick with, Boogie?" Alana inquired as Baylee turned in her arms to face her, reaching to place Nick's hand upon her hip. Glancing above Baylee's unruly platinum locks, she saw Nick's dark indigo eyes. The flames of desire flickering so heatedly upon his pupils caused a small whimper to muffle through a sigh. She was becoming far too attached. Every night she slipped beneath her covers she was thinking of him. And when she awoke to a cold bed, she could actually visualize him curled next to her. Suddenly, she really didn't feel too good.
"I 'unno," Baylee murmured as Nick snuggled closer. "Him needs kisses, though. Lots an' lots of kisses--"
"Then start kissing him," Alana insisted with a playful smile, scooting Baylee toward Nick.
"Ew! No!" Baylee shrieked, jerking the blankets over his head to shield his face.
"Since he met Lizzie he never kisses me," Nick sighed plaintively, leaning close to brush his lips over Alana's cheek. "Apparently Lizzie holds a tight rein…"
"Guess I'll have to make up for what you're lacking?" Alana suggested, vaguely listening to Brian and Natalie argue semantics of how Baylee should have been told. It was almost as if they were a married couple already. Though, Alana was more taken with the man sharing Baylee's bed with her.
"If you want," Nick murmured, his lips trailing to the gentle curve of her neck, where he nibbled gently. Drawing in a deep breath, he gloried in the soft scent of her. The hand resting on her hip slid upwards, pulling her closer when Baylee crawled over his legs to reach the side of the bed.
"Daddy! I get ready for my Lizzie now?" Baylee questioned, interrupting his father's speech.
"-Nat, I'm saying that I didn't realize he'd be so-What? …She's coming to see you, Scooper. You don't have to--" Brian's words were unheeded as the little boy hopped from his bed. Scurrying over to the closet, he reached up to yank down a pair of scrubs Alana had bought him. Clutching the garments, he hurried into the bathroom with his bare behind showing from the hospital gown and shut the door behind him. Silence evoked the room for a moment, but Brian raised a finger to Natalie before she started. "Now wait a damn--"
"There's way too much chaos in this family of yours," Alana decided as she grasped a few wrinkles of Nick's t-shirt to pull him closer. She kept his lips a few centimeters away from her own, just inhaling the spicy flavor of his breath. Her body trembled slightly at the feeling of his warm breath against her face. And she smiled. "God, I'm going to miss you when you go back to Florida…"
"I'm not leaving for awhile… Do you think you can take a vacation anytime soon?" Nick requested, nibbling softly at her bottom lip as he jerked the covers over their heads for privacy. Wrapping his arms around her tightly, he felt his body shudder with sudden desire, wishing they were anywhere but in Baylee's bed. "I'm going with Brian to the Bahamas--"
"What does me having vacation time have to do with you going to the Bahamas with Brian?" Alana interrupted in confusion as she was draped in a soft darkness with her lover. She could still see the excited shimmer radiating from his indigo eyes. Smiling sweetly, she cupped his face in her hands, offering the smallest of kisses to his lips. "And why are you two going to the Bahamas?"
"Well… Nat's going too, and Baylee, of course. And I was thinking that you've been working so hard the past few weeks, that you really need a break," Nick explained softly, pulling her closer to intensify their kiss.
"Nickalicious," Alana whimpered softly against his lips as her body melted against his. Caring less about the bickering couple outside the blanket, she brought her knee between his legs, feeling the hardening of his erection. It seemed like so long since they had made love-Had sex. Delving her tongue between his lips, she playfully flicked hers against his, her hands sneaking underneath his shirt to feel the warmth of his skin. "You don't want me to say no. And I haven't been working hard. I've been goofing off with only one patient--"
"So you can goof off a while longer," Nick interrupted, moaning softly. "In fact--"
"Nicky! Out! Out! No kissin' 'Lana in my bed!" Baylee shrieked as he flung the bathroom door open. "Stop it!"
"Damn," Alana muttered within Nick's mouth, reluctantly pulling away as the blankets were yanked down. Sitting up, she saw Baylee crawling back into the bed, launching himself into her arms. She cooed softly as she kissed the sides of his face, glancing toward Nick. "You've been denied access, Nickalicious."
Nick nearly whined, reaching beneath the blankets to make a quick adjustment before anyone noticed. "Surely there's an empty bed somewhere--"
"No access!" Baylee insisted, wrapping his arms tightly around Alana's neck. Tucking his head beneath her chin, he gave Nick a look that dared him to try and move closer. "My 'Lana 'tay an' p'ay wit' me an' Lizzie. Nicky go bye-bye!"
"Apparently, I'm babysitting while Brian and Natalie go out to get something to eat," Alana decided as she tenderly rubbed Baylee's back, glancing sideways toward Brian and Natalie. Both looked surprised at the suggestion, but nodded with looks of great thanks. "And I'll have a slumber party with Boogie tonight so Daddy and Natalie can get a good night's rest."
"Slumber party?" Nick repeated, sending Brian a glare for nodding again. Damn the man, he had Natalie all the time. It wasn't as though he had to steal moments from time to time. "Am I invited?"
"You s'eep on the floor," Baylee informed him, snuggling closer to Alana. "'Cause 'Lana and Lizzie s'eep wit' me!"
"We can at least get another bed rolled in here for tonight, Boogie. Don't want your Nicky waking up with a stiff neck… Among other things…" Alana cooed at the little boy as he reached an arm out to grasp the shoe resting beside them. Holding it up for her viewing, Alana had to grin. "You finished my new shoes?!"
"Uh huh! I did it all by myself!" Baylee chirped with excitement as Nick whined again. Ready to tell her every detail of his scribbles, he glanced up to see Elizabeth peering around the doorframe. Launching himself from Alana's lap, he scrambled off the bed. "Lizzie here! Daddy and Knot, go bye-bye!" he insisted, pushing impatiently at his father's leg.
"Did you give him the sex talk yet, Bumpkin?" Natalie inquired with surprise as she was pulled from her chair and pushed toward the door. She hadn't expected Baylee to be so strong, but he was adamant in his decision. She figured that much out when she found herself in the hallway with Brian following closely behind.
Brian paled slightly, wincing when the door was pushed shut behind them. "Now wait a damn minute. I… He's too young for the sex talk!"
*~*~*
Handing over her key when Brian asked for it, Natalie rested her back against the wall of the house, watching him fumble with the key for a moment. Smiling slightly at his hissed curse when the lock clicked open. Fully expecting him to bid her goodnight and leave to return to the hospital, she turned to thank him for dinner, giving a start when she saw he had moved closer. The light reflecting in his azure eyes gave her a shiver, the wine she had consumed during their meal giving her the nerve to lean close and offer him a quick kiss.
"Nat," Brian sighed against her lips, bracing one hand on the wall. Knowing he should go, he wanted only to stay with her. To welcome the affection she offered so freely, take a taste of the passion that always hinted just beneath the surface of their relationship. Sliding his lips over hers, tilting his head to intensify their gentle kiss, he cautiously tasted the remaining hints of the sweet wine on her tongue. Drinking in her scent, relief washing over him when her hand danced up his chest, her fingers curling in the collar of his shirt. Pulling him closer.
"Brian," Natalie gasped, placing the flat of her palm over his heart. The cloud of desire enveloped her, her fingers creeping to pop open the first buttons of his shirt. Needing to touch the warmth of his skin for as long as she was able. Knowing he would pull away. Brushing the tips of her fingers over the base of his neck as his teeth grazed her tongue. Releasing his collar, she slid her hand up, tangling her fingers gently in the light brown curls. Returning the force of his kiss with one of her own.
Brian barely heard the soft whine that escaped his throat, too occupied with tasting her. Enjoying the feel of her body next to his as their kiss continued its fervor. Resting his hand on her waist, he leaned closer, knowing he would not be able to pull away. Her body yielded to his touch, giving off a welcoming warmth that shook him to his core. Breaking their kiss, he trailed soft kisses over her cheek, stopping when he reached her ear. Breathing in the scent of her shampoo as her finger made a slow circle on the center of his chest.
"Brian," she breathed again, her body reeling from his kiss. Tilting her head back, she looked into his eyes, grateful he held her against the wall when she saw the desire glittering in the bright blue depths. Her knees weakening, she anxiously licked her tingling lips.
"I don't want to leave," Brian admitted softly as he pressed his forehead to hers, leaving a small distance between their gazes. His mother had always said that eyes were the window to a woman's soul. And the light caramel curtains of Natalie's soul were faintly fluttering as the windows were left open for him. He had bided his time with Leighanne. Patiently allowing her full reign of his life and now that she was gone, he wanted to follow his heart. Like he should have the first time he met Natalie and Leighanne. Natalie had been patiently waiting in the background of the music video for Leighanne to finish. He had attempted to approach Natalie first, but Leighanne was quick. Far too quick. And a tell tale Siren. But now he had Natalie in his arms and he wouldn't be pulling away.
"You want to go inside and take a nap before you go back to the hospital?" Natalie whispered in confusion, her eyes widening slightly as she struggled to comprehend his meaning.
"Nat…" Brian trailed with a slight smile, blushing at the realization that he would have to explain what he meant. Her oblivious naivety could be sweet and indefinitely consoling, but when it came to something they had been skirting around for years, it was a hindrance. "Scooper forbade me to return to the hospital tonight. But I know that if I go inside, I won't want to take a nap. I'll want to be with you… To take a drive on the pure snow, y'know?"
"Oh," she gasped, wanting to kick herself for not understanding. Wetting her lips again, she nodded slightly, sliding her arms around his neck to draw him in for another kiss. Her stomach twisted nervously, and she released a soft squeal when he pulled her into the house. "Brian, wait--"
"I wasn't going to pull you right into bed, Nat," Brian groaned as his cheeks brightened into a cherry red as he released her waist and moved to shut his door. "I just wanted to get us inside the house. That is allowed, isn't it?"
"Of course it is. I just… That is…" Natalie trailed, sweeping a hand through her hair. "I've been longing for you to pull me into bed for years now," she blurted, immediately clapping her hands over her mouth as her cheeks flushed brightly. Groaning, she turned away from him, not wanting him to see her embarrassment. "God, Bumpkin, I'm sorry--"
"I can't see me ever pulling you into bed," Brian admitted truthfully, staring at the back of her head for the longest moment. Usually, this is all the farther they ever got into this particular conversation. Both would apologize and move away from one another. But Brian wasn't allowing this tension to occur another moment longer. Reaching, he tentatively laced his fingers through hers. Pulling her toward him, he inhaled the soft scent of her strawberry shampoo and slowly wrapped her up into his arms, cradling her close. "I can, however, see myself carrying you up to my bed."
"I love you," she murmured with a smile, letting her head rest on his shoulder as he headed up the stairs.
"I love you, too, Natalie. So much," Brian whispered as he turned to kiss her forehead, leading them into the bedroom. Carefully, Brian laid Natalie amongst the softness of the mattress. He held his breath as he stepped back to admire her form. She was a beautiful creature. Petite and angelic, dressed in a soft yellow camisole and short denim skirt. Her long, light brown, wavy locks tossed into a clip and he couldn't help himself. Reaching, he plucked the clip from her hair, causing the waves to cascade in silky ripples. "I want to be your first, Nat…"
Natalie tensed slightly at his words, feeling as though a bucket of ice had been dumped over her body. Opening her mouth to speak, she closed it quickly, not having the nerve to ruin the moment. Grasping his hands with hers, she tugged him down onto the bed, smiling slightly at his surprised gasp. "Make love to me, Bumpkin…"
"You mean it?" Brian whispered, unable to hide the grin creeping to his handsome features.
"Please," she murmured, one hand sliding to gently graze his neck. "If you pull away now, I'll go crazy--"
"I won't," Brian promised, leaning to kiss the side of her face, inhaling the scent of her sweet perfume. Leaning over her, he continued to rain kisses along the side of her face as she laid back till he was laying atop her. "I love you so much, Natalie. And I won't hurt you."
"I trust you," she whispered, shivering at the tiny thrills that radiated through her body from his soft kisses. Fumbling with the remaining buttons of his shirt, she slid her hands over his warm skin, pausing when she reached the waistband of his jeans.
Brian nodded in confirmation at her words, not knowing what else to really say as he guided his lips over hers. Feeling the shirt slide from his back and the cool freshness of the central air sweeping over him, he had to shiver. Wanting to feel the warmth of her skin, his hands slipped underneath her silky camisole. Shuddering at the feeling of her soft skin, he dipped his hands inside the waist of her skirt, rubbing his fingers along the elastic band of her panties. "God…"
"Brian," she murmured into his mouth, arching off the bed slightly when his hands gently tugged on her skirt. Her heart felt as though it would pound out of her chest when she heard his soft sigh. Welcoming his body against hers when he settled over her, she wrapped her arms around his waist, one hand sliding forward to grope at his belt buckle. "Please…"
"Guess that's why God let Adam and Eve run naked," Brian chuckled as he kissed the corner of her lips, finally easing the skirt away from her waist. Tugging her panties with the skirt, he cast them to the end of the bed, bringing his hands up the smooth silkiness of her legs toward her inner thighs. The feeling of her moist heat sent his heart into a flutter of excitement.
Trembling, Natalie dipped her head to bite down gently on the skin of his neck, finally succeeding in unbuckling his belt as he gasped sharply. Emboldened, she let her tongue trail to the curve of his shoulder, her hand slowly slipping into his jeans. Running her finger along the elastic of his boxers, she hesitated momentarily before allowing her hand to slide lower.
"Oh God," Brian whispered in sheer surprise as the camisole and satin bra slid away from Natalie's body and she grasped his hardened length. The picturesque look of her bare body lying amongst his pillows, her large breasts heaving slightly with her soft breaths combined with the sweetest expression of wanting crossing her face mixed with the soft rubbing of her fingers along his shaft caused him to shudder with sheer ecstasy. He couldn't have asked God for a better evening nor a happier point in his life. "You're so beautiful, Natalie Rose..."
Natalie blushed at his murmured words, leaning back slightly to look into his eyes. His fingers continued their sweet torture between her legs, causing her body to tense with desire. Feeling him tremble over her, she quickly withdrew her hand, tracing the lines of his abdomen before letting them trail over the faint pink scar in the center of his chest. "Brian, please--"
"I love you," he promised her as she wriggled beneath him, yearning for something more than just soft fingertips. Shivering when her tongue traced the outline of his scar, he withdrew his hands from her legs. When she whined loudly with displeasure, he had to smile, catching her mouth in a kiss as he pushed his pants away from his body. Slipping his tongue into her mouth for several soft strokes, he positioned himself at the threshold of her burning heat. He hesitated as he ran his fingers over the contours of her body, tracing the curvature of her breasts. He didn't want to hurt her.
"I love you," she whispered, reaching to caress his cheek. Slowly, she shifted beneath him, draping one leg over his to increase their contact. Shivering, she nibbled at his bottom lip, opening her eyes to look at him. "Baby…"
"If I hurt you, tell me," he requested, sucking her top lip into his mouth.
"I will…"
Brian nodded at her promise, catching her mouth against his for a soft kiss as he slipped between her legs. Feeling her cradle him closely, he intensified the hunger of his kiss as he eased himself within her body. He was soft and gentle as he positioned himself within her, waiting for some kind of grimace of pain. He knew the first time making love for any woman was painful and he didn't want her to remember that. He'd rather her anticipate the wanting and needing of him within her. The catching of her breath as desire washed over her. And, when he pulled away from her feverish kisses, he was surprised to find her so placid. "Are you okay, Nat?"
He was being so gentle, so caring. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes and she nodded shakily, not trusting herself to speak. "I'm okay," she promised when he continued to stare down at her. Biting down on her lower lip, she slowly slid her hands down his chest, letting them rest idly on his waist. He filled her completely, more than she had ever dreamed possible, and the worry etched in his eyes caused her to fall in love with him all over again. "Brian--"
"I love you, Natalie," Brian promised once more, leaning down to find her lips in a sweet kiss. Tilting his head, he pressed forward with the kisses, moving his hips in a slow and steady rhythm against her. Surprised when he felt her move with him in a fluid wave, he shuddered as his hands raced along her sides, stroking her softly.
"I love you more," she whispered, shaking with pent-up passion as their bodies moved together. Breaking their kiss, she pressed her face against his neck, inhaling his scent as she softly kissed the damp skin. Wrapping her arms around him, she allowed her nails to lightly rake his back as the flames of desire grew stronger. "God, Brian--"
"I'm going to take such good care of you, Nat. You're never going to want for anything ever again. You and Scooper are my whole life…" Brian murmured against the side of her face, cupping his hand against the back of her neck to hold her against him. The warmth of her body was sending waves of desire crashing against him. The passion quickly building without any means of restraint. He had wanted this for so long. Wanted her. So very long.
"I know," she promised, clinging to him tightly. Never had she imagined she could love him more. "I-I won't ever let you go, Bumpkin… Ever…"
"God…" Brian breathed heavily against her bare shoulder, nibbling affectionately at the skin as his body flamed with passion. Unable to control his desire, he quickened the thrust of his hips, sending himself deeper into her core with every strong yet easy movement. He pulled back slightly to watch her eyes, the darkness of the caramel irises fueling his wanting to continue at the grinding rhythm. Her soft squeals and moans sent shudders through his body and he grinned as he caught her lips again, pulling her up to meet his body. The beads of sweat from their bodies collecting and mixing amongst their slick skins.
"Brian!" Natalie squealed suddenly as her entire body shook. Wrapping herself around him, she squeezed him tightly, biting down hard on her bottom lip to keep the pleasure from erupting too soon. Leaning her head back, she brought one hand to his face, her fingers outlining his jaw as he guided their bodies into an intense rhythm. "God--"
"Dear God," Brian seemed to correct with a tortured grunt, attempting to hold his breath to prolong the sweetness of their union. But the feeling of her body beneath his and the way she tightened to draw him in further was fighting against him. Staring down into her dark caramel eyes, he offered a haphazard smile, hoping she understood how much he loved her. How he always had loved her. How she had been first in his life, even when she thought she was second. All the words that he longed to say in the close comfort of her arms.
Natalie's eyes widened slightly with realization as she stared into his eyes, her hand dropping to his shoulder in a soft caress. Nodding slightly at the hope she saw, she brought him down for a sweet kiss, tangling her fingers gently in his hair as her body shuddered with delight. "Brian, I-please--"
"I know," he agreed, cupping his hands underneath her arms and flattening his palms against her back. Bringing her close to his body, her breasts rose to brush against his chest and he shivered with delight. Unable to hold on to the brink of pleasure much longer, he found himself releasing the desire that had gathered for so many years. A wave of ecstasy crashed over his body as he found her lips, murmuring a thousand 'I love you's' to her.
Crying out, Natalie purred his name as her body began to slowly relax, returning his soft kisses. Tightening her fingers in his hair, she held him to her, knowing she could never let him go. Feeling his gentle trembles, she broke their kiss to look into his eyes, resting her hand over his pounding heart. "I love you," she breathed.
"I love you, too, Natalie," Brian swore as he curled his arms around her bare body and slowly rolled to his side. He brought her to him, however, pressing the softest kisses to her forehead. Exhaling a soft breath of contentment, he leaned back to find her smoldering caramel eyes. "I didn't hurt you, did I?"
"No," she promised with a smile, releasing a soft sigh when he smoothed the damp hair from her face. "You were perfect."
Author's Chapter Notes:
Whoops, I had the chapter number wrong. Sorry 'bout that. :)
