Page 30 of Your Love

The pressure of his kiss is light at first, a warm and tantalizing pleasure that tests and teases me. His lips dance against mine, leaving a trail of tingling sensations in their wake. My heart races as he parts his lips, and his tongue gently licks my lower lip, silently asking for entrance. Without hesitation, I grant it, and our tongues tangle together in a fiery embrace.

Every touch of his tongue sets my skin ablaze with desire. With one hand on the small of my back, he pulls me closer, his other hand tangling in my hair. The tension in his grip speaks volumes about the desire burning between us.

A soft moan escapes my throat as I press myself closer to him, needing to feel every inch of his body against mine. My hands slide up the front of his shirt, fingers splaying across the firm planes of his chest. The fabric clings to my palms, serving as a reminder that this is real and not just an intoxicating dream.

Landry’s body is solid and warm against mine; the electric connection between us impossible to deny as our bodies mold together in perfect rhythm.

I brush my fingertips over the rough stubble on his jaw, relishing in the sensation that sends electric shocks through my entire body. Beads of sweat begin to form on my temples as his strong hands grip my hips with a firmness that both excites and soothes me.

Every touch and caress feels divinely wicked, and we both struggle to contain our overwhelming desire. My fingers trail down his back, tracing the defined muscles that ripple beneath my touch while his hands roam freely down my sides.

The scent of his cologne fills my senses, mixing with the salty tang of sweat and adding a mind-blowing layer to this already dizzying moment. We are teetering on the edge of complete abandon, close to losing all control.

But just as I think I can’t hold back any longer, Landry pulls back, and he rests his forehead against mine. The rush of adrenaline still courses through my veins, making my chest rise and fall rapidly. My lips tingle from the intensity of our kiss as we both take a moment to catch our breath.

I’m overwhelmed by a flood of thoughts and emotions. This is everything I’ve ever wanted, everything that was taken from me. But now it’s here, in front of me, and I’m torn between wanting to stay in this perfect moment forever and facing the unknown future that awaits us.

As Landry slowly releases me, our eyes lock, and I hold my breath, bracing myself for his response. My heart pounds in my chest, unsure of how he’ll react to my request. But as I study the soft curve of his lips, a sense of relief washes over me.

“I have a question for you now,” he says, his voice gentle yet filled with anticipation.

I nod, unable to speak as emotions swirl inside me.

“Will you give us a real chance when you’re ready?” he asks, his tone tender and full of hope. Despite my efforts to hold back tears, they threaten to spill from my eyes.

“I want that more than anything,” I manage to whisper. “But starting something now might not be the wisest choice.”

He reaches out and brushes away a stray tear from my cheek. “I can wait for you,” he says with unwavering determination. “You know where to find me when you’re ready.”

“I don’t want to hold you back,” I confess, my voice trembling with fear. “I can’t make any promises about our future.”

Landry takes my hand in his large, calloused one and places it against his chest, where I can feel the steady beat of his heart. “All I know is that being with you feels right,” he says earnestly. “I am willing to wait as long as it takes for us to figure things out.”

My heart aches as I look at this man who has become my everything. “But what if it doesn’t work out?” I whisper, tears threatening to spill from my eyes.

He pulls me into a tight embrace, wrapping his strong arms around me. “Then we’ll figure it out together,” he says confidently, kissing the top of my head. “We don’t need to make any grand declarations or commitments right now.”

“We don’t?” I ask, feeling a sense of relief wash over me as I relax in his embrace.

“No. You’re leaving for school, and I’m here. Let’s just take things one step at a time.”

“So, we’re still friends?”

A small smile appears on his lips as he replies, “Of course. I will always be your friend.”

Feeling relieved, I reach out to him. “Pinky Promise?”

Landry doesn’t hesitate as he wraps his finger around mine. “Pinky promise,” he says, and our bond is sealed at that moment.

Chapter 13

“I’m With You”

Landry - Age 18, 1988

“Come on, Landry,” the coach’s booming voice echoes across the ice, drawing the attention of my teammates, who are all skating effortlessly and with purpose. Meanwhile, I’m stumbling and struggling to keep up, a burden to my team. “You need to get your head in this practice, Kid,” he yells.

I can feel my cheeks flush with embarrassment as I glide back and forth across the crease, my movements sluggish and uncoordinated. Thankfully, no one can see my embarrassment through my mask.