Page 39 of Crossing Between

I grinned, delighted by her reaction. "Sakura mochi. Makes you light as air for about two minutes."

Sure enough, after a couple of minutes, she settled back onto her chair, looking amazed. "That was incredible! What do the others do?"

I pushed the container toward her. "Try and find out."

For the next half hour, we sampled the magical mochi, laughing as each one produced a different effect.

The blue one made our voices sound like we'd inhaled helium.

The green one made us glow softly in the dark.

The yellow one created tiny butterflies that fluttered around our heads before disappearing.

The last one, a deep purple, had a more potent effect. As soon as Zoey bit into it, her pupils dilated and a flush spread across her cheeks.

"Oh," she breathed, her voice suddenly husky. "This one feels different."

Heat pooled in my stomach at her tone. "Midnight berry," my own voice dropping lower. "Enhances sensation."

"I see," she licked her lips, her eyes never leaving mine. "And did you bring this one on purpose?"

I held her gaze, not bothering to hide my desire. "Maybe."

The air between us crackled with tension.

Slowly, deliberately, I picked up the last purple mochi and bit into it.

The effect was immediate. Every nerve ending in my body seemed to awaken, making me acutely aware of the slight breeze on my skin, the scent of her, the way her chest rose and fell with quickened breaths.

"Kenji," my name on her lips was like a caress.

I stood, moving around the table to her side. I offered my hand, and when she took it, the simple contact sent shivers up my arm.

"Dance with me," I whispered.

"There's no music," she pointed out, but she was already standing.

I pulled her close, one hand on her waist, the other still holding hers. "We don't need music."

We swayed together under the stars, our bodies moving in perfect synchrony. The magical mochi heightened every sensation. The warmth of her body against mine, the softness of her skin beneath my fingers, the intoxicating scent of her hair as she rested her head on my chest.

"This is perfect," she looked up at me with those mesmerizing eyes.

I couldn't resist any longer. I lowered my head, capturing her lips with mine. The kiss was electric, more intense than our previous one. Her mouth was warm and yielding beneath mine, her tongue tentatively seeking entrance, which I gladly granted.

My hands moved to her hips, pulling her flush against me. She gasped into my mouth as she felt the evidence of my desire pressing against her stomach. The sound sent a jolt of need straight through me.

"Zoey," I broke the kiss, my breath coming in short pants. "If we don't stop now, I won't be able to stop at all."

Her eyes, dark with desire, met mine. "Who said anything about stopping?"

Those words shattered my control. With a growl, I lifted her, her legs instinctively wrapping around my waist as I carried her to the blanket I'd laid out earlier at the edge of the meadow.

I laid her down gently, then paused, hovering above her. " Are you sure?"

In answer, she reached up, tangling her fingers in my hair and pulling me down for another searing kiss. Her other hand slid under my shirt, her nails raking lightly across my skin, leaving trails of fire in their wake.

I pulled back just long enough to remove my shirt, then hers, revealing a lacy bra that made my mouth water. She was beautiful, all soft curves and creamy skin bathed in moonlight. I lowered my head, pressing kisses along her collarbone, down to her breasts.

"Kenji, please," she arched beneath me, her hands clutching at my shoulders.

I unhooked her bra with practiced ease, tossing it aside before taking one nipple into my mouth. She cried out, her back bowing off the blanket. The magical mochi was still in effect, making every touch more intense.

My hands slid down her sides, fingers hooking into the waistband of her leggings. I looked up, seeking permission, which she granted with a nod. I slowly peeled the tight fabric down her legs, my breath catching at the sight of her in nothing but a tiny pair of panties.

"You are so beautiful," I breathed, slightly dazed.

A blush spread across her cheeks, but she didn't look away. Instead, her hands moved to my belt, fumbling slightly in her eagerness. I helped her, stripping down to my boxers before settling between her thighs.

The first press of our bodies together, with only thin fabric separating us, drew groans from us both. I rocked against her, the friction delicious but not enough. Never enough.

My fingers found the edge of her panties, slipping beneath to find her already wet and ready. She gasped as I stroked her, her hips bucking against my hand.

"Please," she begged, her voice breaking. "I need you."

I couldn't deny her anything. I quickly removed the last barriers between us, positioning myself at her entrance. But even in my desperate state, I paused, needing to hear the words.

"Say it," I growled, my control hanging by a thread. "Tell me what you want."

Her eyes locked with mine, clear and certain despite the haze of desire. "You, Kenji. I want you. Now."

With a groan, I pushed forward, entering her in one smooth thrust. The sensation was overwhelming. Tight, wet heat enveloped me completely. I stilled, giving her time to adjust, fighting the urge to move.

"Oh my god," she breathed, her nails digging into my shoulders. "You feel amazing."

I began to move, slowly at first, savoring each drag and push. Her legs wrapped around my waist, changing the angle and allowing me to go deeper. The sounds she made, little gasps and moans, drove me wild.

"Harder," she demanded, meeting each thrust with one of her own.

I complied, picking up the pace, driving into her with increasing force. The meadow was filled with the sounds of our passion. Skin against skin, breathless moans, whispered encouragements.

I could feel her getting close, her inner muscles beginning to flutter around me. Determined to make this good for her, I slipped a hand between us, finding her sensitive clit and circling it with my thumb.

The effect was immediate. She cried out, her back arching as her climax washed over her. The sight of her coming undone beneath me was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen.

Her release triggered my own. With a final, powerful thrust, I joined her in ecstasy, waves of pleasure crashing over me as I emptied myself inside her.

Afterward, we lay tangled together under the stars, our breathing gradually returning to normal. I held her close, unwilling to let go even for a moment.

"That was...wow." She seemed at a loss for words.

"Yeah," I agreed, pressing a kiss to her temple.

We stayed like that for a long time, talking softly, exchanging lazy kisses, until the night air grew too cool. Reluctantly, we dressed and packed up our picnic.

As I drove us back to her apartment, her hand rested on my thigh, a comfortable weight that felt like it belonged there. The connection between us had deepened, transformed into something precious.

Back at her place, we fell into bed together, exhausted but content. As sleep began to claim me, I felt her snuggle closer, her head finding that perfect spot on my chest.

"Kenji?" Her voice was already heavy with approaching sleep.

"Hmm?"

"Best first date ever."

I smiled into the darkness, tightening my arm around her. "Just wait till you see what I have planned for the second one."

Her soft laugh was the last thing I heard before drifting off, my heart fuller than it had ever been.