and shook my head no. He leaned in closer softly kissing me. I felt like I was floating. He was so gentle but I could feel he was holding himself back. I felt like my head was spinning, his kiss intoxicated me.
“Will,” I whispered. He pulled back immediately. “I didn’t scare you, did I?” I smiled.
“You could never scare me.” I had never felt more safe and more loved than in that exact moment.
I knew why he stopped. He asked if I was okay. He feared being close to him might bring back memories of Todd. I had told him not long after we met how terrified I was that night Todd attacked me. He was the only person who knew how close I had come to killing myself shortly after all of that. Will’s soulful eyes eased my fears as he stroked my cheek tenderly. He had a way of soothing me. I couldn’t explain it and really, I didn’t care how. I just knew he was what I needed to finally heal and to live again.
Will leaned in again running one finger along my throat. He moved closer, kissed my ear, and then kissed my neck deeply. I had never felt anything like it. He paused, his lips still on my neck. “You smell delicious,” he whispered seductively into my hair. He moved to the other side of my neck so swiftly I didn’t realize it until his lips were there, kissing me again. I was like a rag doll, unable and unwilling to tell him to stop. I sure as heck didn’t want him to.
“Will,” I whispered, lost in feelings I had never experienced until now. I pulled him closer if that was even possible without realizing it. I felt him pull away suddenly. I was still attached to his shirt. My eyes were closed. I was breathless.
“We have to stop,” he said as he sighed, running his hand through his hair. I could see it was taking a lot of effort on his part to say that as he clenched his jaw.
“No we don’t.” I protested.
Confusion washed over his face or was it anguish and frustration? All three if I had to guess.
“Please don’t say that. I mean let’s slow it down.” He shook his head, closing his eyes. That was pure frustration. I knew that look. He took a deep breath. “I don’t want to pressure you, and I don’t want to lose control either.” He rubbed his forehead, irritated. “You don’t need that right now. I won’t do that.”
“You didn’t hurt me or scare me Will. I’m a big girl and we aren’t kids here. I am not that fragile, okay?”
He shook his head. “Oh but you are love, very much so… in my arms anyway.” His eyes were dark and cold, not warm and loving like normal. He was extremely serious. I had to admit the way he was looking at me was scaring me a little. I scooted back from him. He wasn’t moving.
“I love you Corrine, very much it’s been centr—” He froze as if he said something bad. I patted his hand.
“Go on Will, please what’s wrong?” He seemed relieved I had just said that, why I had no idea. He didn’t say anything bad.
“It’s just … been a long time since I’ve felt like this.” He paused, thinking. “Well… actually I’ve never felt this way ever about anyone before.” He sighed again. “I don’t want to screw it all up. I can’t take that chance you need more time. You’ve been through so much. I want you to be sure, before we…” He looked at me. I saw a slight blush on his cheeks. “Get really serious.” I was in shock I guess. He was just so damn honorable and he even blushed. I had never seen a guy so unafraid of his emotions. I was speechless, he cared more about how it would affect me, when most guys would have had their clothes half off by now.
I sat back and took a deep breath myself. I wasn’t ever letting him go. He was a rare find among the normally barbaric, sex- crazed guys my age.
“Wow” I grinned at him. “You’re not like any guy I have ever met.” He frowned slightly. He muttered something under his breath. It sounded like, “If you only knew.” I ignored it though. “Most guys, well, you know.” I smiled, embarrassed now.
“Yes I know.” He laughed.
I relaxed and put my head on his