Long graceful fingers gently slide under the hem of my shirt, coming to rest against a hip. A large, slightly damp, palm caresses the edge of my throat, before trailing to my collar bone. A voice, soft, yet somehow masculine finds it's way into my head. Cracked lips scratch along the tip of my ear, following the sound soon after. He is no longer speaking, but I still feel his hot breath crawling towards my face. A slight tilt of my head, and my vision becomes blocked by eyes so green they could put any gem to shame. I know he's waiting, waiting to see what I'll do. What I'll say. I've never allowed anyone this close, never allowed any form of affection. I lean my body back, allowing his chest to connect with my spine. I can feel his heart pounding, strong, yet erratic. After a moment, I realize mine is the same. Suddenly, I am aware of just how warm I am. Every place he touches sends a stream of liquid fire through my veins. My breath hitches and I feel as he begins to move away, afraid he may have crossed an invisible line.
Panicked, I reach for his hand. A gentle tug brings his concerned gaze back to mine. My hand finds it's way to the back of his neck so I can pull him closer. I lean my forehead against his, fingers tangling themselves in his crimson mane. Without realizing, I had allowed my eyes to slip shut, completely absorbed in the moment. As soon as I open them, I am floored by the amount of pure adoration I see. I can't help myself and immediately lean forward to claim his lips as my own. Slowly, I feel him relax, his finger tips gliding across my cheekbone and down to my jaw.
"I love you so much..."
My lips move upwards, a gentle smile erasing any doubt I still had. He was my place of belonging. My home. I should have reached out sooner. We wasted so much precious time due to my past. No more. This is a new chapter, a new step in our journey, and I won't let it pass me by. I'm done with hesitation. I'm done with doubt. I'm done running.
"I love you too."
Joy lit up his face, and I found myself tucked away in his arms. My ear pressed to his chest, his heart pounding a steady rhythm. This was what I always wanted, what I always hoped for. I found my happiness, and no one could ever take it away from me.