Page 92 of The Heart of a Painter (As I Am 1)

Her brave eyes gave up, another tear escaping her. Ileaned in, cradling the back of her neck, my delicate flower, then brought my lips to hers. Intimate, tender, loving.

“You saved me, Erin.”

She sniffed, her watery eyes speaking to me before Ieven heard her. “Idon’tknow about that. Ido know that when Iwas at my lowest, you saw through me. It was as if you saw directly into my soul, past the defense mechanisms, past the nasty scars. You put me on apedestal even on days Iwas kicking and screaming to get off, to escape from you. And…Iwould like to be apart of your therapy sessions and see someone for myself. Icould use the help.”

Ifelt as if the sun itself had descended from the sky. Ikissed Erin, lost for words. It felt like afirst kiss, paving the road for the rest of our lives.

We moved as one, united, no hidden truths, no misunderstandings, just us.

She parted her lips and Itilted my head along with her; her hand reached for the back of my neck while mine slid down her back; she breathed out while Iinhaled her. Soft, sweet, mine.

Our innocent kiss turned into an urgent one. Our chests heaved, bodies clinging, falling together into one another. Her short gasps for air sounded like music in my ears after weeks of the painful silence.

Ikissed her while Iunbuttoned the front of her dress, kissed her as Ipeeled it from her slender body along with her bra, wouldn’tstop kissing her as she relieved me from my jeans and boxers. When she lifted off my shirt, her touch seared my skin. Only then our lips drew apart and only for asingle heartbeat.

Iknow because Iheard it, as it beat for her alone.

My love molded into my arms as Iplaced her silently on the bed. Her familiar hum caressed my ears as Iremoved her panties, nestled myself between her thighs, and entered her. Imoved slowly, filling her with my body as well as my heart.

With her sweet face between my palms, Imade love and cherished her. Erin owned me.

We came together and without letting go, not now and not ever, Igazed deep into her eyes. I’dlove her for forever.

“Thank you for coming back to me,” Iwhispered and nuzzled her nose.

Tears streamed down her flushed cheeks and her soft smile lit up her entire face.

“Always.”