"Walter's going to see the ladder. He's going to know what you're doing and tell Grams."
"Pops is asleep. I heard him snoring when I left. He'll be out until morning."
"Grams is still awake. She'll hear you in here."
"Then I'll be very quiet," he whispers, leaning down to kiss the side of my neck. His hands are already pulling up my shirt, his fingers lightly brushing against my skin, awakening my insatiable need for him.
We stumble on our way to the bed, clothes shedding every few steps. I forget all about getting caught as his hands go up and down my body, his mouth finding its way to all the places that drive me wild with desire. I'm desperate to voice how good it feels, and I almost do, but Tyler stops me, his lips covering mine as he slides inside me.
I don't know how he manages to keep quiet. I'm barely able to control myself. I feel myself coming as he thrusts harder.
"Tyler," I whisper, my hands digging into his flesh. He follows soon after, keeping quiet, the only sound his heavy breathing.
He collapses back on my bed and I turn and lay my head on his chest.
"I wish you could stay," I say. "Maybe you could just stay for an hour or two?"
"Yeah," he says, still catching his breath. "I'll stay."
"Really?"
He answers by wrapping his arm around me.
I'm so content right now. So incredibly happy.
We fall asleep, and when I wake up later and turn on my side, I smile when I feel Tyler next to me. I love having him here. He turns and puts his arm around me, pulling me against his warm body. It's something I wish I could experience every night. Something I'll miss terribly when he's gone.
I feel him softly kiss my head, then whisper, "I love you."
My eyes pop open. Did he just say he loves me? Did he say it in his sleep or is he awake? I can't tell. His arm feels heavy and limp, lazily draped over me like he's deep in sleep. But he kissed me. Did he sleep-kiss me? Is that even possible?
He makes a light snoring sound. He must've said it in his sleep. He was having a dream. But was it about me? Or someone else?
I fall asleep, and when I wake again, he's gone. It's light out now and I get up and go to the window and see the ladder is put away.
Checking my phone, I see a text from Tyler that was sent at six, an hour ago.
Last night??est ever.
I smile and text back, I thought so too.
Grabbing my robe, I go to the bathroom to shower.
A text dings from Tyler again. I didn't just mean the sex.
I knew he didn't, but I like that he told me. I wish I knew for sure if he meant what he said last night or if he was just talking in his sleep. It's not possible he loves me, is it? We've been friends for awhile but we just started dating, so how could he love me? I could ask myself the same question. I have feelings for Tyler that feel like love, but how is that possible? I didn't feel this way about Tom until four or five months into our relationship.
After I'm showered and dressed, I hurry downstairs. I slept too late. I'm going to be late for class.
"Faith, I have breakfast," Grams says from the kitchen.
"I don't have time," I tell her, stuffing my laptop in my backpack.
She comes out of the kitchen into the living room, holding a paper sack. "Take this. Two blueberry muffins. I just made them."
"Thanks." I take the sack from her. "How'd you know I was late?"
"You left your schedule on the kitchen table."
"Oh." I sling my backpack over my shoulder. "Thanks again for the breakfast. Love ya, Grams!" I say as I race out the door.
Tyler's out in his driveway. I want to go kiss him goodbye but I can't. I don't have time and Grams might see.
He waves at me. "Have a good day!"
"Thanks! You too." I get in the car and make it to class just in time.
All day long, my mind keeps going to Tyler. It seems like every little thing reminds me of him. At noon I'm tempted to go home to see him but I'd risk being late for my afternoon class so instead I go to a fast food place near campus for a quick lunch.