Page 63 of Keystrokes and Kittens

“Yes.” He nodded.

I chuckled. “Yes to all, some, or none?” Because I’d just listed a bunch of stuff, and I still didn’t have any idea what he was thinking.

“Touch. I’d like to touch you.” His gaze held mine. “But I’m scared.”

“You have nothing to be afraid of. I’ll never hurt you.”God, are those the right words? I’m also scared—of hurting him. Of doing or saying the wrong thing.I was also worried that not saying anything might be just as liable to cause damage. I scooted a little closer. “Whatever you’re comfortable with.”

He reached across the space to brush his hand along my cheek. He smiled. “You look good with stubble.”

“I look old and grizzled.” Here, I could joke. Mostly.

His fingers feathered along my temples. “No lines. Your skin is flawless. Your smile lights a room.” He tapped my nose. “And your sense of humor will always keep me laughing. But it’s what’s in here—” He pressed his hand to my chest.

Right above my heart.

“It’s what’s in here that assures me that you’re a good person. That you take my fears seriously. That you’d never intentionally hurt me.” He scooted a little closer. Then he moved his hand to thevin my pajamas—just above my sternum. He pressed his fingers to the bare skin. “This feels good.”

“Well, it feels pretty awesome to me as well.”

“But I’m not…aroused. You know?”

“I do. And I’ll say it again—that’s totally fine. I like having you near me. That’s enough. That will always be enough.”

“You know what? I think I believe you.”

Thank Christ. I will remember those words and repeat them as often as you need to hear them.

He inched closer.

I did the same.

Our lips met. And as with all previous kisses, this one was chaste and simple. Restrained. All the more precious because the thing wasn’t a prelude to something. We weren’t doing this as an anticipatory action. We were kissing for the sake of kissing.

It felt fucking awesome.

Sam trailed his hand down my sternum to my chest. Then he veered his hand to my side where he settled it on my hip.

I gently caressed his cheek. This was something I knew he enjoyed.

Slowly, he opened his mouth.

My gut clenched. We’d never made it this far. Terrified, but undaunted, I opened my mouth as well. Normally, I liked to dominate kisses. Today, I was happy to sit back.

Sam poked his tongue tentatively into my mouth.

Gently, I ran mine along his.

He made a noise deep in his throat. He gripped my hip harder.

The stirrings of arousal swirled in me. His scent combined with the softness of his skin. His tentative probing tongue along with a taste that was all him. I could tamp down that driving need, though. Being here for him was more important than any pleasure I might derive from this. Plus, we’d basically had the conversation about biology. If I got an erection, he certainly didn’t have anything to be concerned about.

He pulled back and his eyes fluttered open.

With just my nightside lamp on, his face was cast in deep shadows. He blinked.

“What is it, Sam?” I wanted to ask if he was okay—but even that might inadvertently trigger an unknown land mine.

He smiled. A little shyly. “I like this. Just—” Another long blink. “Is this enough for you?”