Page 113 of Sherry and Sunflowers
"I don't know about that."
"I do."
She reached up and drew him down to her. This kiss was different from the others. There was no uncertainty in it, no question about where they were going. She opened to him, andhe followed her lead, giving her everything she asked for and nothing she didn't.
His hands moved over her slowly, as though he meant what he'd said about learning her. He paid attention to every breath, every small movement, every place she leaned into him. For once, she didn't have to anticipate what someone else might need. She didn't have to be careful or capable or prepared for what came next.
All she had to do was feel.
"Reaves," she whispered.
He lifted his head. "Tell me."
"I need you closer."
The look in his eyes made her breath catch, but he still didn't rush. He shifted over her, holding himself above her as he searched her face.
"Is this okay?"
"Yes."
"And you'll tell me if it isn't?"
She slid her hands around the back of his neck. "I promise."
He kissed her again as he brought them together.
For one startled moment, she went still—not because she wanted him to stop, but because the reality of it overwhelmed her. After all the waiting and wanting, all the times she'd convinced herself she had no right to hope for this, he was here.
Reaves froze.
"Alara?"
She opened her eyes. The concern on his face undid her.
"I'm okay." She brushed her fingers over his cheek. "I'm more than okay. Just give me a second to believe this is real."
His forehead came down to rest against hers. "Take as long as you need."
She wrapped her arms around him and held on. He stayed exactly where he was, his body warm and solid against hers, until the tightness in her chest eased.
Then she moved beneath him.
His breath broke against her lips.
"Like that?" she whispered.
"Exactly like that."
He followed her rhythm at first, letting her set the pace. She loved him for that—for understanding that after so much of her life had been taken out of her hands, she needed to be the one who chose.
But soon, it felt like they were choosing together, deeply and slowly, and it felt like freedom.
The pleasure built slowly, warmth unfurling through her as he learned what made her gasp and what made her cling to him. He murmured her name against her neck, and every time he did, it sounded like something precious.
She buried her face against his shoulder, trying to muffle the noises she was making.
He gave a breathless laugh.
