The Blizzard

I'm fucked, she thought. Her tired eyes struggled to focus on the barely visible road through the falling snow and streaky windshield. The storm caught her by surprise as she left the party early, sending her down back roads to avoid the disaster playing out on the highway.

It should have been a fun night. But she'd let her melancholy for the state of things keep her from enjoying the time with her friends. The world was a mess. Everything around her seemed to be falling apart. She had slipped into a comfortable malaise, slowly pulling away from everyone and everything she felt let down by, compelled to spend her time instead impacting others far removed from her daily life. It was rewarding and good work, but she was human. The lack of personal connection was taking a toll. She hoped the night would help rekindle her passion for people and mend the bonds with her friends. But the topics veered uncomfortably into the very stuff she'd been fighting to keep quiet in her mind. It was supposed to be a time to reconcile, but she left feeling more isolated than ever.

The small hatchback responded well on the slick roadway. She noticed a large, rustic cabin poking through the treeline ahead. Gracefully lit for the holiday, it was the first she'd remembered for a few miles.

Her lights reflected off the large flakes. She squinted into the darkness ahead, trying to gauge the distance to the next turn. Feathering the brakes, she stayed on the gas to keep traction. Her pulse quickened as she dreaded the long miles before she felt the safety of her bed.

A quick rumble shuddered under the frame followed by a nothingness. She couldn't feel the road. The back end swung wide. Her mind raced as the horizon angled wrongly through the glass and the tires left the pavement.

She felt the car lurch. A weightlessness. A scream that seemed outside of herself.

Then a cold wind hit her face.

Darkness.

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Her eyes opened slowly as soft light flooded in. A dull ache floated through her head. Confused but warm, she realized she was lying down, covered by a blanket. She was in a large space. A vaulted ceiling with wooden beams tapered down to the stone fireplace nearby. Several large logs in the hearth were well charred, radiating a flickering heat on her face and filling the room with an earthen, smokey scent.

She glanced around, her vision fully coming into focus. The couch she rested on was opposite a pair of leather chairs, the table between them fronted by a large, plush rug beside the fireplace. Beyond, she could see the entryway with floor-to-ceiling windows flanking the double doors. A granite counter marked the transition to the kitchen.

Her head was still fuzzy, but she adjusted a bit, trying to diagnose if she was hurt. She pulled her arms out from under the warm blankets, shifting her legs. She didn't feel any acute pain beyond the muted ache in her head. How did she get here? Her mind struggled to recall the immediate past. She could feel her dress was still on but noticed her coat and shoes were missing, the coat draped over one of the nearby chairs.

As she began to stir, she noticed a figure moving about the kitchen, going in and out of view. She couldn't make out what he was tending to, though he cast a large presence. His wide shoulders and tall frame obscured what he was doing. His shirt had the sleeves rolled up around his forearms, efficiently stretching as he moved.

"Hello?" she murmured, the haze starting to clear.

As he turned into view, she was immediately drawn to the deep concern in his eyes. Bright, but worried, they were balanced by a sturdy smile. He moved briefly out of view then reappeared with a glass in his hand, heading steadily towards her.

"How are you feeling?" he asked in a soft tone.

"A dull headache, but I don't feel anything else wrong." She added, "Where am I?"

"I heard the accident. When I found you, the passenger window was broken and you were unconscious. It's very cold. The snow was coming down hard, so I brought you here to warm up."

"You... carried me?" she inquired. Noticing the jeans stretched over his legs and the way he filled out his shirt, she thought him capable of it.

"Your car's off the road about 50 yards away. I didn't know what happened to cause you to black out. Your coat was wet from the snow, so I put it up to dry." He spoke with a simple confidence, as if there was no other way things could have been. His manner put her at ease.

"Would you like some water?" He offered the glass.

"Thank you." She took the crystal from him, sipping slowly. "I don't remember any of that. How long have I been out?"

"It's been a few hours," he responded as he moved to sit in the nearby chair. "What do you remember?"

She tried to sit up. The cool water brightened her senses. "I just remember driving in the snow. The roads were slick. I don't remember anything after that."

"I'm glad you are awake. If you have a concussion it's best for you to stay up." He leaned forward closing the distance. His voice was still soft with concern. "Can I get you anything?"

"I'd love a refill." She reached out to him with her empty glass. He rose, eyes on her, as he took the glass and headed back towards the kitchen.

As she took in her surroundings, she noted the place was well decorated. Prints of modern art hung around the space. A statue was the centerpiece of the entryway. She couldn't see any photographs. It was a well-appointed, tasteful space, but lacked a female's touch. "Do you live here alone?"

His voice echoed from across the room. "It's just me. After I retired, I wanted somewhere quiet where I could think and learn and figure out what's next."

"Retired?" she asked. He couldn't be over 40 and was clearly physically fit.

He strolled back towards her, toting her water and a glass for himself. "Once you get to my age, the body can't compete with the younger guys. I was lucky to play as long as I did."

Reaching out, he handed her the refill and sat down on the other end of the couch. "It's pretty great, actually. I got to do something a lot of people enjoy. Now I get this whole second phase to be someone new and do something fresh."

"A second phase," her voice trailed off as if grasping for something out of reach. Her life had been rolling along the same track for years. Her mind sparked at the thought of a new stage, something clean and fresh sounded exciting.

"Yeah. I have some ties back to the league and a few media connections to fill my time." His eyes left hers as they moved around the room, searching for something. "I'm fortunate to have a lot of options, but I feel like I should give back, you know? So few people get a chance to play a game for a living. I have a few irons in the fire, but I really want to find a way to help people." He paused, his eyes returning to her. "I have a lot of life left - hopefully" he winked.

Her breath shortened as she drank in his smile. The relaxed way he shared himself disarmed her.

"It's good to see you improving. How did you end up off the road next to my house?" He rose and moved to the hearth tossing a couple of fresh logs into the slowing fire. She realized her headache was gone. A new, different feeling replaced it.

As the night wore on they talked about her party and why she'd left in such bad weather. It was unusual for her to feel comfortable sharing with someone new, but she found freedom in his glances. They discussed several of his ideas for the next step in his life. Her favorite was an idea to fund a construction company focused on getting people into their first home. He spoke with a passion for community and people that warmed her heart. She shared her frustrations; his eyes holding her gaze as he actively listened. He asked the right questions, reeling in her mind.

Time melted away.

It was after 2 am when she turned in. Outside the snow continued, falling in sheets.

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She awoke to the smell of fresh coffee. Glancing to the kitchen, she saw the same figure moving about. This time she recognized the pleasant contours of his shape. An apron was tied around his waist, covering a pair of tight slacks which she allowed herself to admire.

Rising, she tossed the blanket over her shoulders and walked towards him stopping at the edge of the island.

As bacon sizzled on the stove, his hands moved expertly, cracking eggs into a bowl. The kitchen was clean and tidy. He reached for one of the pans hung in place above the range. Noticing her, he glanced over with a smile.

"Coffee or Mimosa?" he asked, grabbing a ceramic mug and a flute from the cabinet without missing a beat. She nodded to the flute, and he obliged, popping the cork from the champagne bottle with a single press from his fingers. "The snow continues," he said, handing her the drink as he turned his attention back to the griddle. "Are you ok staying here today? It's deep out there right now and still coming down."

"This smells amazing," she responded, taking a sip. "I'm yours for the duration." she smiled coyly.

His hands stopped briefly, then started again. He turned with a grin. "I typically don't see the road crews until almost everywhere else has been cleared. Might be a while."

"I'll take my chances" she quipped.

He smiled at her flirtation.

As he plated the meal, he topped off his coffee adding a generous pour of Jameson. "Care for a refill?" he asked with playful eyes.

Extending her flute, she raised her eyebrows and nodded, matching his energy.

As he slowly poured her seconds, she savored his glance as his eyes moved down her body for the first time. She watched him follow the outline of her dress beneath the blanket, and she adjusted herself revealing a bit more, her mind wandering to dark places.

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As she finished her last bite, he rose and took her plate. Her stomach fluttered as his hand brushed hers. A warmth crossed her face.

"Would it be alright if I used your shower?"

"Absolutely," he replied. "Make yourself at home. If you need a change of clothes, I have plenty in the closet. Grab whatever you need."

She moved towards him as he began to clean up. "Thank you." She placed her hand on his arm as she walked by, electricity firing inside her as she touched his solid form, a nervous arousal growing inside.

The bed was centered as she entered the room. It was made up nicely. On either side sat end tables above which hung artistic prints, both featuring soft flowing lines twisting around each other. She made her way to the closet, picking a large t-shirt. She blushed as her body warmed to her imagination.

The bathroom was marbled with dual sinks. A wall in the middle hid a spacious walk-in shower which she switched on.

As the water flowed, she slipped out of her dress and allowed her thoughts to go to him. Once the steam clouded up, she stepped into the shower and let the water run over her. The harsh bite heightened her senses, stinging her skin. As it covered her in warmth, her mind fixed on him - on his eyes, peering into hers. The way he spoke. The way he listened. She could almost feel his arms around her, his mouth on hers. His body pressed against her.

She let the water flow down her back. The river danced on her curves, enhancing her sensation. She touched her arms and neck as she imagined his strong hands. Her mind raced as her body began to ache. Unable to resist, she moved her hands down, gently satisfying the touch her body craved. Helping to release her anticipation, she imagined his hands on her, over her, inside of her. The fire inside her blazed. The thought of him grabbing her, pulling her to him. She craved more as a gasp escaped from her lips.

She cleaned herself quickly, determined to have him. Toweling herself off, she tossed the shirt over her, letting her bare legs show. She worried he might be thrown if she was too aggressive, but the fire inside her burned too hot to be contained.

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She walked barefoot down the hallway, allowing the shirt to glide over and around her, approaching him as he stood in the kitchen. His eyes found her and she watched them move about her figure, taking her in. Seeing her nakedness beneath his oversized shirt, she was pleased to see his eyebrows raise slightly. He turned towards her, setting his coffee on the counter, and giving her his full attention.

She stopped as she reached him, letting the inches between them fill with her desire as she gazed up at his eyes, now staring deeply into hers. He grabbed her, pulling her to him effortlessly; his hands enveloping her arms as she disappeared into his chest. Her head tilted as the warmth of his mouth touched her lips, tingling as his taste mixed with hers. She reached around his back holding him tightly as she accepted his tongue, nibbling his lip.

Her mind floated away as she gave herself over to the passion and instinct. His strength held her close as his hands moved down her back, the shirt preventing her skin from the touch her body craved. She raised on her toes, reaching, arching, aching, trying to crawl into him.

Then her feet were off the ground. His hands dug into her thighs as he lifted her, raising the little hairs on her back as she straddled his waist. Their mouths broke apart as he gazed into her eyes, she recognized the same fire she had inside. With her hands around his neck, she kissed him again as he carried her into the living room.

He placed her gently on the soft rug next to the flickering fire. She opened her legs, inviting him on top of her as his hands dove under the shirt she wished was gone, finding her nipples already hardened. He smiled as he kissed her again, his mouth bringing temporary relief to her desire. She moved her hands over his sides, unable to reach fully around his back, her hips and legs involuntarily grinding into his pants as her mind disappeared, lost in the moment.

She reached for his waist, clawing at the bottom of his shirt trying to get it off. She wanted the touch of his bare skin on hers. In a single movement, his shirt was off, his mouth leaving hers for only a moment as her hands traced the contours of his chest and shoulders, pressing into him, pulling him, needing him inside her.

She felt the rhythm of his motion into her hips as his eyes blazed into hers. His hand left her chest and moved out of her shirt, up to her face, cupping her right cheek. Her neck tingled as he pulled her up towards him, his mouth moving down the left side of her neck. She moaned, unable to keep it inside any longer.

As his tongue danced on her neck, nibbling gently, he held her close, taking the shirt over her head - discarding it, removing the last barrier between them. Her body burned as her nakedness was fully revealed. Her breath quickened as his lips met her breast, an involuntary arch forming in her back, seeking contact with his skin, wanting every piece of him on her.

His hand glided softly down her side and her leg as she leaned into it, desperate for his touch. But he stayed on her legs, tracing softly, massaging as he sucked gently on her hard nipple. Her body moved as he worked, pushing into his kiss; her hips seeking his touch, trying to will his fingers to pleasure her.

A fuzzy, lightness came over her mind as his lips left her breast and carried on down her belly, leaving a trail as he moved. Her hands searched for anything to grab onto and fumbled through his hair, finally holding on tight enough to regain the slightest control. As his face reached her thighs she moaned again, spreading her legs wide, trying to guide him as she begged for satisfaction.

When his mouth covered her, she brought her hips to meet him, pulling his hair a bit harder than intended. She was pure desire as he worked his tongue inside her, expertly working her towards climax, but refusing to give her relief. Her body squirmed as she tried to push into him, wanting to swallow him whole, to shudder and evaporate and explode and have time and space blink out of existence. But he held her steady, nearly there, refusing her, hanging her on the edge. Her whole body was awake, feeling the tickle of the air, the soft flick of each fiber on the rug, a subtle warmth of the fire, and he worked inside her like a lion with his tongue and lips.

His pace slowed as he moved up slightly, focusing on her clit, applying pressure with his lips and tongue, her moans growing louder. Her mind flashed and her leg tingled as his hand moved slowly up her inner thigh. She lifted her head, opened her eyes, and stared at him with blinding intensity as his fingers entered her, his eyes pouring into hers as his mouth never wavered from its task.

She held his gaze as his hand started a slow rhythm inside her. His strong, dark fingers reached deep into her as she worked back into him. Her breath quickened with his pace, eyes burning into him, wanting to toss him down, put his member inside her, and ride him into infinity, but lost to his control, putty in his hands as he pleasured her.

His fingers made steady work, slowly increasing pressure inside her as her body began to shake. Her eyes finally lost his gaze, closing, a whiteness and loss of focus coming over them. Time stopped. Everything melted and washed away as she collapsed into the expanse. Her voice cried out and her hands pulled his face into her. Her orgasm spilled onto his hand and mouth as she ground her hips into him, her chest heaving deeply while her mind slowly returned.

He slowed down as she recovered, eventually opening her eyes, grabbing for him, pulling his face to hers as she kissed him deeply. Her hands moved quickly down his hard chest to his pants, which she unbuckled and pushed down, using her legs to finish the job. Her mouth never left his as her hand found him already erect. As her hand worked on him, she felt his fullness, her desire for him insatiable.

He lowered himself onto her as she wrapped her legs around his. With him still fully in her hands, she broke from the kiss and found his eyes. As she looked deep into him, she adjusted her hips, guiding his fullness into her, his naked body pressing onto hers. Her mind relaxed as she felt him enter her. Thoughts disappeared as she gave herself to him. She moaned softly, keeping his gaze, as he pushed himself into her slowly, allowing her to adjust until he was fully inside.

She placed her arms around his neck as he built a rhythm into her, kissing her hard as the intensity grew. Her body, still near peak from before, needed little to push her over the edge again. His pace quickened then found a balance. His arms flexed on both sides of her as he moved. Her eyes greedily watched his form as her body rebounded from each thrust.

Her hands left his neck and shoulders as she moved them down his torso, pulling his skin with each thrust, grasping as he filled her. She guided her hands down his sides and back. Grabbing him from behind, she dug her fingers into his butt as she accepted each thrust. Her breathing shortened as her hips raised to allow him deeper. Her moaning intensified as her hands squeezed harder, wanting all of him, every bit. Her legs held up, knees bent, feet wide off the rug as her hips dug into him. Finding the spot finally, he thrust into her one final hard time and she shook, vibrating as a desperate moan escaped her lips. Her hands stayed firmly on his backside, encouraging his continued hard rhythm as her body spasmed into his. Her vision was gone. Her mind awash. Every cell of her body felt flush.

Her heart raced as she slowly opened her eyes, seeing him staring deeply into her, enjoying his triumph. Her hands left him and she grabbed her knees, pulling them up, giving him room to flow into her with his full force. He obliged.

His pace quickened. Using long hard strokes as he withdrew until only the tip of his shaft remained at the edge of her before crashing back in, filling her completely as her body held tightly onto his fullness. His arms and chest flexed as his back and legs pumped. The contours of his body poured into hers. His breathing deepened as he moved faster and faster. Her hips stung from each impact. Her heart skipped as his breathing stopped, his pace faster than ever. Heaving her hips into his as he moved, she wanted his climax. She could feel it coming as she grabbed around his back, hanging on, willing him into her.

His face intensified, as she clawed into him. With one last penetration, he let out a loud, deep moan, stopping briefly, as he pulled out. He knelt over her, groaning loudly as he twitched and shook, spilling himself in ribbons on her stomach as his breathing slowly returned.

His eyes found her as they opened. She smiled, laying bare but relaxed, a warm glow radiating from every inch of her while her hand moved down her body, stopping to revel in the mess of his seed. Her mind was quiet, her body swelled, content. He collapsed next to her, covering their nakedness with a nearby blanket.

They held each other close, falling asleep as the snow continued to fall outside, warmed by the still-burning fire.

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She awoke refreshed, still naked under the warm blanket in the living room. It must be mid-afternoon by now as the sun showed at a sharp angle through the front window - the snow finally subsided. Everywhere she felt a shimmer, a sort of fuzzy light tickle from head to toe. The worry from the previous night erased by the complex chemistry of her body's joyous afterglow.

She rose, tossed the blanket over her, and wandered into the kitchen where she grabbed a glass of water. A sly smile crept across her lips as she remembered feeling him just hours before. As she quenched her thirst, she heard the pitter-patter of water falling down the hall.

He tended so completely to her needs, carrying her from her car to his house, a complete gentleman through the whole thing, then expertly pleasing her when she wanted him. She yearned to claw back the smallest bit of control, to freeze him, seize his body, his movement, his mind, hold him hostage to her as she gave back to him. She wanted to watch his body shake and twist in her hands.

Finishing the water, she made her way to join him in the running shower.

He was well lathered under the generous waterfall as she turned the corner fully naked, having dropped the blanket at the bathroom entryway. She admired his curves, watching the water cascade over his shoulders, down the length of his arms and back gaining speed as it disappeared behind the generous ass she could almost still feel on her fingertips.

"This is a nice view" she teased, her hands behind her back as she leaned her bare body gently against the wall.

His eyes opened quickly and found her. Smiling, he continued to let the water clear the soap from him. She let a few beats of silence build his suspense as her eyes memorized his naked form.

She crossed to him, slowly this time. Daring him to study her as she moved, flaring her hips and arching her back slightly. His eyes danced about her as she closed the distance, capturing his attention as she desired. His focus on her ass as she showed it to him, his gaze flowing over her body as she moved. She reveled in his greedy eyes.

When she was near enough to touch him and he tried to speak, she raised her hand to his mouth gently, putting a finger over it, instructing him to stop.

He complied and her heart jumped. She had him.

Letting the water run down them both she touched his arms, feeling them from the shoulder down and back up, splashing the water as her hands massaged the firm surface. She felt his eyes burning into her, wanting her to connect with him, but she refused his gaze, instead soaking in his figure.

As her hands made their way down his chest, she moved around behind him, reaching under his arms to touch his abs and play gently with his nipples. She kissed the V of his upper back, alternating between soft pecks and gentle bites as he stood, immobile, transfixed with her.

The heat of the water bathed them in a steamy mist. Her hands continued their journey, running her full palms along his stomach and down to his inner thighs, his body twitching ever so slightly, giving into her touch. She allowed herself a brief smile, his lust for her transparent.

She bit a little harder into his back, and he let out his first audible sigh as she found him with her hand, already partially erect. Her slow steady movements were enough to tease out his full size while she explored his back with the other hand, digging into the firmness of the muscles, the contours, the flex of his shoulders as she stroked him.

Her free hand ran down to find familiar ground, grabbing his butt hard as she increased her pace on his member. Her mouth moved from his back to his side as she glided around him kissing his abs, trailing lower as her hand held firmly onto his backside. With every move he pressed to her, giving himself over.

She could still feel his eyes fixed on her. She wanted him to feel what she had felt, to melt into her, to lose himself and fall away, thinking nothing, every cell dancing at the end of a rainbow.

"Grab my hair" she instructed, "gently, but firmly."

He did as he was told, and she maneuvered around his thigh while her hand continued, slower now, more deliberate. As she kissed around him, never quite giving him what he wanted, his hands stayed in her hair, pulling her towards his desire, but always allowing her to go where she wanted.

His soft moans gave her the green light. He liked that she was in control. Her heart beat faster.

She wouldn't put him fully in her mouth until the very end, making it the finale, denying him until he couldn't take it any longer. So she worked to heighten his pleasure, raising his excitement at every moment to get him dangling off the edge of the cliff. Her left hand moved up and down his legs and grabbed at his butt as her right hand continued its diligent work.

She felt his body shudder slightly as she kissed the outside of his shaft, moving her hand up and down with increased pace, Her tongue lavished onto him starting at the base, moving up and around. His hips pushed into her as his moans increased. Her right hand quickened its pace while her left hand moved to join, playing gently under him, teasing, tickling, pulling gently.

Briefly, she paused. He froze. For the first time since she walked into the shower, she looked up directly into his wanting, desperate eyes. She slowly licked her lips, letting him see her tongue, her mouth slightly open, tantalizingly hinting that his desire would be fulfilled. Her hands began again, his hips rejoining, moving faster together. She could see the infinite desire in his eyes as they stared at her open lips.

She gave him a brief sly smile as her eyes broke with his, gazing slowly down his body as she began the final phase of her conquest.

Her mouth enveloped him. Her tongue moved along the bottom of his erection as she worked his significant member inside her, adjusting her head and neck to change angles as she delivered on her promise to herself. His hands gripped her hair tightly as his pleasure deepened, his breathing stopped.

Her hands continued to work, massaging and sliding as she danced on him with her tongue and craned her neck to bob her head, giving him movement everywhere.

His entire body tensed up. He pulled her hair hard letting out a guttural groan.

Her hand stopped as the twitching started. He flooded her throat with his seed as his cock throbbed on her lips, delivering her the triumph she craved. She savored the thick sweet saltiness as his moaning slowly died down.

She stroked him again slowly, her mouth never leaving him, her tongue reaching deep for his base. He shuddered. His whole body was slightly shaking. She was pleased with her work.

She slowly removed her mouth from him, kissing the tip as she rose to meet him. She smiled at his slightly fuzzy exhaustion. He grinned back.

As she kissed him, he leaned fully into her, embracing her as his lover. Her heart was full as she reveled in her victory.

As they toweled each other off, for the first time since her unplanned arrival the sky was clear, a cloudless sunset painted a deep tapestry of red and orange through the hallway windows.

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They spent the evening steeped in conversation, savoring a bottle of wine over a simple dinner he threw together. She sat opposite him at the island in a pair of his shorts and a t-shirt, both too big for her frame. Rather than sit on the barstool, he stood handsomely fixed in a nice pair of slacks and a button-down shirt. He dressed the part tonight, his hands and arms moving rhythmically as he spoke to her, giving her deeper bits of himself.

She felt she needed to give him an update, and a way to begin to end this crazy thing. "I was able to connect with a tow truck." She admitted, shyly. "They said they'll let me know when they can get out here, but they think they should be able to fit me in sometime tomorrow."

He paused briefly before replying. "If you are willing, I'd be happy to drive you home once they clear the roads. I'd hate to have you stuck with the tow truck all day."

"That would be great." She responded, not wanting any of this to end.

They continued for hours, the conversation dancing about. He opened up about his previous marriage, how he'd failed to prioritize her - instead focusing on his career. She listened as he shared his regret, and his determination to build into others going forward. She further revealed her unease at her place in the world, her incompatibility with the times, her distance from others. She let him see her fully, his eyes never wavering. He engaged with firm questions, not to oppose, but to chip away the last bits she was holding back from him.

One bottle became two and his attention stayed with her as they moved effortlessly between talk of his past and future to her life and dreams.

She felt something new growing inside her. Something different and fresh. Something less carnal.

Finally, as the last drops were drained from their glasses, he asked directly. "Would you join me tonight?"

She'd been naked with him almost all day, yet the sweet, intimate way he asked made her blush.

"I'd love to."

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He led her down the hallway, holding her hand gently as they walked. Her heart beat quickly as her emotions ran wild. She shouldn't be feeling this way, she thought. It was the way he asked her, their conversation, the gentleness he was showing now. Everything burst inside of her like a Fourth of July display, her mind dashing back and forth as she melted into his touch.

As they entered the room, he tapped a switch dimming the lights, leaving them bright enough to see each other but dark enough for real intimacy. He walked her to the edge of the bed, spinning her to face him.

His hands glided up her back to her neck, taking her face in his palms as he guided her to his lips. She kissed him delicately, like old lovers reunited. He leaned into her, deepening the connection as he moved his hands down to her waist, pulling her body to his. Her arms wrapped around his neck as she bathed in the comfort of his embrace.

Delicately, he raised the shirt from her body, breaking contact only briefly. He lifted her again, his tongue moving slowly in her mouth as he spun her towards the waiting bed. He placed her down like a gentle flower, removing her shorts before sliding next to her naked body. She was deeply aroused, her body responding to his every touch.

He paused. As his eyes found hers, she could see straight into him, he was laid bare before her, exposed by their connection. She reached out to him, holding his face, kissing him deeply, answering his vulnerability.

His fingers traced over her arm and side. As he caressed her, she unbuttoned his shirt. She matched his intimacy, running her hands over his chest as they kissed.

Her heart continued to beat wildly, the emotions running hot within her. His kisses felt designed to communicate deepening affection. She didn't feel naked next to him, she felt at home.

As she started to unbutton his pants, his hands traveled down to her legs. She opened herself to him as he approached, already wet and wanting. He massaged her as she slipped his pants off. They laid together in their nakedness, vulnerable and open and excited and together.

Her hand found him, again bringing his fullness with a little encouragement as his fingers finally slid inside her, setting her body aflame. She had existed in a state of heightened arousal for the whole day, but her desire was more intense now. She dug her hips into him as he glided, bringing her closer to orgasm.

Softly, he broke from her, turning to the end table and opening the drawer. Pulling out the wrapper, he tore open the condom. Without missing a beat, she gently took it and placed it on him, slowly fitting it over him as she coaxed his last bit of fullness.

He again took her by the face, pulling her close as he kissed her. She spread herself as she welcomed his body on hers. He pressed against her slowly easing in, her soft moan matching his hungry, vast eyes. He slowly filled her as his chest met hers. Her heart pounded as he found the deepest part of her, her hands slowly caressing his back, his skin pressed against her chest as she felt his whole body.

Her mind raced as he built a slow steady pace. He was different this time. Her body ached for him, deeply. She wanted him, but not like before.

Her hips matched his, and she found herself slowly losing control. She felt his heart beating through his skin as he lay on her, his kiss still soft, but deep. Her body slowly arched into climax.

With a final thrust, she was gone. She saw nothing; everything was white. Her body was an explosion of joy and wonder. She wrapped her arms and legs around him, pulling him into her, trying to merge into him, to melt into one being as her veins flowed red hot, the fire deep inside her burning like a billion suns.

He caressed her arms through her recovery, pausing briefly to allow her to return. Her eyes finally opened and searched for his. Her mouth attacked him with deep passion.

She motioned for him to roll over, and he complied. Slowly, she placed herself on top of him, not taking him at first, but kissing him playfully. As she finally slid him inside, her eyes closed, her body relishing the fullness and the pressure and the control she received on top.

She lifted herself up, her hands on his chest, looking at him. She began to move her hips, massaging him as she moved, building a rhythm of her own as his hands played about her, first with her nipples and then tracing the lines of her back. She felt him moving into her, but she didn't want him too excited yet, so she slowed her pace, laying on him, kissing him again, letting him feel her skin on his.

"Do you trust me?" She asked as she continued her slow movement.

"I do." He responded without hesitation, his eyes never leaving hers.

She kissed him again and lifted herself up, breaking their connection. She reached behind, slowly rolling up the latex barrier between them, the last thing separating them from being one. She wanted him completely, entirely, without boundaries. As she removed it, his eyes were wide, excited - and loving.

She stroked him as his hands continued their work on her body, caressing her. When she was satisfied, she placed herself onto him, slowly taking all of him. Her body regained its pace as he matched her, meeting his hips to hers, taking him deeply, her clitoris rubbing perfectly on him as she rode. Her body quickly started to shake again. Her arousal unbound. When she opened her eyes, she noticed his smile. She lost herself so easily with him.

As she slowed, he rotated her onto her back. She accepted him as he lay on her, wrapping her legs around him, crossing them to pull him in tight. She kissed him while she ruffled her hands through his hair as he rocked in and out of her, slowly at first, but quickening. His arms finally moved to support his body as he thrust deeper and harder.

Her body ached as pumped into her, her hips raised to meet him as she watched his eyes. His breathing shortened then stopped. He collapsed onto her, letting out a deep moan, never losing her gaze. Her body pulsed with his, over and over, as his warmth flooded her. His body was completely frozen as he came hard, locked in time and space with her as they mixed together, eyes connected as she accepted him. His full weight pressed into her as she held him close, her body warm and her mind quiet. She kissed him as he lay inside her, bodies still, his heartbeat matching hers.

Everything radiated. She wanted to hold him there, in that moment, forever. Tracing softly on his back, she felt a tear roll down her cheek, fearing what tomorrow might mean. He stayed there with her, unmoving, wrapped in her arms as they fell asleep.

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As his truck turned the final corner heading for her house, her mind and body were a mess of emotions. She had no way to process the last couple of days. Her life was here in that house. A life built slowly, carefully, successfully by most measures. But everything was different. The street felt foreign to her. Nothing felt right. It seemed an old memory, vaguely familiar but wrong.

"I'm the last one on the right." she sighed, resigned to the end of this chapter.

He pulled in slowly. The snow softly crushed beneath the tires as he put the truck in park.

"Thank you so much for the ride." She said softly, grasping for anything from him to hold onto.

He paused. The space between them measured by inches, but the silence stretched to infinity. She couldn't breathe as she watched him struggle, as if he was searching for something in the emptiness.

"You know, I've been thinking the whole time we've been driving and I just don't know how to put any of this into words." He gave back, seemingly unsatisfied with his effort.

She placed her hand over his on the gear shift as he turned to look at her. Leaning over the console, she kissed him.

"I feel the same way." She responded, hopeful, but not wanting to jump too fast.

"I don't think I can handle not seeing you again." He gave more boldly, looking at her with the same eyes she remembered from that first night.

"I'm in your clothes. So I'll have to come back to bring them by." She teased, feeling better already.

"Hopefully very soon." He smiled back.