to my bedroom. The light of the moon filtered through the windows, giving me just enough light that I didn't have to hit any switches on the way.
The curtains were open in my room, allowing the moonlight to flood the space. My furniture was lined with silver and the very air seemed to glow.
J.J. had said he wanted to see me, but there was something magical about the pale light that poured in through the window. I didn't want to break the spell by turning on the lamp.
I paused by the bed and turned back to J.J. "This is where I want you."
He stared down at me, his hand lifting to trace the line of my face from my temple to the curve of my jaw. "Then, this is where I want to be."
When he reached toward the lamp, I stopped his hand with mine. "I like the moonlight."
The jitter of nerves I felt during the drive home was shifting into another sensation now. I was restless and hot, but not afraid. I placed my opposite hand on J.J.'s chest and felt the solid thump of his heart against my palm.
"Okay," he whispered.
I released his hand so I could finish unbuttoning his shirt. He took the hint and shrugged out of his suit jacket. A few seconds later, his shirt followed, hitting the floor with a whisper.
As I studied his bare torso, I couldn't stop my hands from touching his skin. He was still leanly muscled, as he had been in high school, but his shoulders and upper body were a bit broader, as though he had grown into himself.
He shivered when my fingertips brushed over his nipples and took my hands in his.
"I think it's my turn."
My throat turned dry when I saw the expression on his face. He looked as hungry as I felt.
He put my hands on his waist, pressing them in slightly. I understood the request even though he didn't voice it. He wanted me to keep my hands there.
My fingers flexed against his flesh when he lifted his hands to my shoulders. I'd always loved his hands. They were long-fingered and wide-palmed and handled a basketball with dexterity and skill.
Even with his palms cupping the top of my shoulders, his thumbs brushed the space between my collarbones. He traced the line of each one, skimming over the halter straps of my dress.
It was my turn to shiver.
I looked up at him, eager and impatient for what came next.
He seemed to read my mind because he smirked and smoothed his hands up and over my shoulders to the back of my neck. J.J. laughed a little as he fought with the knot that held up the straps of the dress.
"You weren't taking any chances, were you?" he asked.
I had to laugh as well and shook my head. "You knew my brothers growing up. All the pranks they pulled on me made me beyond cautious."
After a couple more seconds, J.J. shook his head. "You're going to have to turn around."
Now, we were both laughing, breathless and quiet. I didn't know why we were whispering but it seemed to suit the dream-like quality of the moment.
I turned and made sure my back faced the bare window so the moonlight illuminated the knot. Able to see the tightly wound fabric, J.J. made quick work of the fastening and the straps fluttered down to my sides.
I shuddered as the tips of his fingers traced from my hairline, over the back of my neck, and down my spine to the zipper of the dress.
The metal teeth hissed as he lowered the tab and the dress fell to my hips, revealing the strapless bra I wore beneath.
His hand continued its downward path and he pushed the garment over the curve of my hips. The dress hit the floor next to his shirt, leaving me in nothing but my underwear.
This was the moment my nerves came back with a vengeance.
Sure, I'd worn bathing suits that covered little more than my underwear. Several times in front of J.J. himself.
But this was different.
This was before. Before he would strip me bare. Before he would put his mouth and hands on my body. Before he would be inside me.
I wanted all those things. I wanted them badly.
But I was frozen inside, unsure and out of my depth.
Somehow, J.J. sensed my hesitation and turned me to face him again. "Hey, why do you look scared?"
I swallowed hard. "I'm not scared, exactly. Just...a little nervous." My eyes flicked