Page 73 of Origins of Eternity

“Yes,” she said and kissed Arwen’s palm again. “Let’s go home, shall we?”

Arwen smiled, and Iro knew it was because of her use of the word ‘home.’ It sounded nice to Iro, too.

???

At her house, Iro carried a glass of red wine over to Arwen, who stared at it before taking it from her.

“How much did this one cost?”

“Arwen, it’s vegan wine. Just drink it.”

“Is it thousand-dollar vegan wine?”

“No,” she replied. “But even if it were, you deserve it.”

She moved to sit next to Arwen on the sofa and set her own glass on the table, choosing the wine tonight instead of her usual drink because it felt more romantic to share wine with Arwen. Then, she let Arwen put her legs into her lap as Arwen lay down.They had done this the previous night, and she loved that Arwen just immediately knew to lie down so that Iro could take off her shoes and rub her calves.

“How was your day?” she asked. “And are you starving? I can start on dinner now if you want.”

“I ate a late lunch, so I’m okay. And I’d rather not talk about work, if that’s okay. It was fine; just exhausting. My job is a lot of paperwork and research, and some days are easier than others. Today was one where I was annoyed because I couldn’t find what I needed. I did eventually, and now, I’m here with you, and I am very happy.” Arwen took a sip and closed her eyes. “This is really good.”

“Yes, it is,” Iro replied, not talking about the wine.

She ran her hands up and down Arwen’s legs, trying not to tempt herself too much by reaching under the flowing skirt Arwen had worn that day. It was pretty adorable on her, with its floral pattern and pockets.

“Why do your hands feel so good on my body?” Arwen asked, still with her eyes closed.

“I love your body. Maybe that’s why.”

“You haven’t even seen most of it.” Arwen chuckled as she opened her eyes.

“I love how it feels when I touch you,” Iro told her and ran her hands up a little higher. “It’s soft in the right places. Firm in others.” She winked. “You have curves and plains that I want to run my hands all over, and my lips crave you, beautiful Arwen. I want to caress every part of you so that you know how much you’re wanted; how much I need you.”

“Jesus,” Arwen let out, and Iro watched her clench her thighs.

“I don’t want anyone else, Arwen. You know that already.” Her hand moved to the inside of Arwen’s thigh. “I’ll happilywait as long as you want, and I know you had a long day, but sweetheart, I’m ready if you are.”

“Youare?” Arwen asked. “Just last night, you said you weren’t. What changed?”

“I sat behind my desk at work today and interviewed a man for a role at the company. He started talking about his wife and told me that they bought a house recently and plan to get a dog next. He mentioned something about wanting children as well, and I thought about how all of that could happen for him, but that also, it might not. Even if you think you have all the time in the world, you never really do, do you? Something could always happen. Something could get in the way of your plans, of what you want.” She moved on top of Arwen and heard her gasp. “I don’t want to wait anymore. I don’t want to lose any time we have to be together, and Idowant us to be together, Arwen. You’re mine. I’m yours. We belong to each other, and I want all the things we want together.”

“And you’re sure? I’ll wait, Iro. If you’re old-fashioned, I’ll be old-fashioned with you.”

Arwen wrapped her arms around her neck.

“I don’t want toreadyou poetry tonight, beautiful Arwen. I want us tomakepoetry together.”

Arwen sighed and said, “You’re… I just… How did I find you?”

“I don’t know. But I am grateful you did.” Iro lowered her lips and hovered them above Arwen’s. “I know how this will sound to you because you think I’m but thirty-one years young.” She smiled against Arwen’s lips. “But in all my life, Arwen, I have never felt how you make me feel. And I know we only just met, but I look forward to many more days and nights together just like this.”

She pressed her lips to Arwen’s, and Arwen opened to her. Their tongues joined, and soon, Arwen was pushing at her jacketuntil it was on the floor next to the sofa. When Iro disconnected their lips, Arwen sighed in protest, but Iro only stood and bent down. Her arms went under Arwen, and she lifted her.

“Oh, my God,” Arwen said as Iro carried her to the bedroom.

Iro knew the path well already, so she didn’t need to see where she was going. She reconnected their lips until she had to reluctantly place Arwen on the bed, and Arwen sat up immediately and reached for Iro’s shirt. Her eyes were glued to the buttons she was slowly undoing, and when her lips pressed to the revealed skin, Iro closed her eyes and ran her hands into Arwen’s hair.

“You’re so soft,” Arwen said softly. “I want to feel you against me.”