Page 59 of Mountain Defender

My core squeezes around nothing, feeling desperately empty. But a sliver of worry sneaks in, as well.

Intellectually, I know he’ll fit. It’s simple physiology.

But as I wrap my fingers around him, feeling him throb even larger in my hand, I find myself whispering, “It’s been a long time. Really long. I’m not sure…”

“Baby.” Gage wraps his arms around me and flips us over, so I’m beneath him again. “It’s been a long time for me, too.” Hislips brush that spot on my jaw again. “And don’t worry. I’ll make sure you’re ready. The last thing I would ever do is hurt you.”

Then he slides my panties off and tosses them aside. His fingers stroke at my center, caressing my sensitized skin. His thumb finds my bud and pinches it gently, sending pleasure arcing through my body.

My bra somehow disappears and cool air hits my skin. A moment later, Gage’s lips close around my nipple again. A low moan sounds deep in my chest.

One finger plunges inside me, shockingly thick. My inner muscles clench around it, and Gage groans with pleasure. “Ror, damn. You feel so good. I can’t wait?—”

“Gage,” I breathe. I find his arousal-slicked skin and stroke it, loving the feel of it in my hand. “It feels?—”

I can’t explain it. The other times, I couldn’t relax enough to enjoy much of anything. But now…

Another finger joins the first, moving slowly at first, then faster. At first, it’s a stretch, but soon Gage’s fingers are plunging in and out easily.

Something hot and intense coils in my belly.

Little flutters of ecstasy build at my core.

Gage finds that sensitive bundle of nerves again and flicks at it. My hips jerk towards him, seeking more.

My muscles tense. My lungs seize.

I can feel myself hurtling towards the edge; not much longer and I’ll go flying over.

But it’s not what I want. Not like this. Not our first time.

I want to feel Gage inside me. I want to feel his pleasure along with mine.

So I still his hand, placing mine over it.

“Rory?” Worry laces his tone.

“I want to feel you. Inside me. It’s our first time, and I want us to… I want us to finish together. Maybe that sounds stupid?—”

“No, baby.” His lips press to my forehead. “It doesn’t sound stupid at all.”

Then he notches himself at my center. I’m so ready, so wet, he slips partly inside me. “Shit. Ror. I’m not wearing anything yet. I need to get my wallet.”

“I’m protected. I have an IUD to regulate my periods. And I’ve been tested. My doctor always checks, even though there’s no reason. So—” My mouth clamps shut. Heat floods my cheeks. This is way too much information. And I’m sure Gage wants to be sure, not just take my word for it.

“I’m negative, too. I got tested for everything back when I was in the hospital. And I haven’t been with anyone…” He pauses. His eyes soften with an emotion I can’t quite name. “If you’re sure, Ror.”

With anyone else, I’d never consider it. I wouldn’t trust them enough. But with Gage… “I’m sure.”

“Baby.” His hand cups my cheek. “I’m sure, too.”

But the way he says it, the way he looks at me, makes me wonder if that’s the only thing he’s sure of. Or if it means something more.

Then he sinks inside me, inch by breath-stealing inch, and all thoughts cease.

It’s just sensation.

Heat.