Part Two

His fingers remained under my chin, although at this point, I did not need him to keep me there. I couldn't look away.

"Chloe…" he began again, his Adam's rising and falling as he swallowed deeply, the silence between us seemed to stretch on forever, "Thank you,"

That wasn't exactly what I had been expecting to hear, but nonetheless my heart sped up even more. I must have looked puzzled though because Derek quickly elaborated.

"Thank you for…you know…not leaving me…" his eyes danced around my face, searching for my reaction.

"Oh, Derek…" I responded softly, touching my hand to the one that still rested beneath my face. "I couldn't leave you! I wouldn't…"

Derek nodded, blinking a few times, and then mumbled something unintelligible that I was unable to catch.

"What?" I asked him, trying to meet his gaze again.

Derek's face paled slightly and I squeezed his fingers a little tighter in anticipation, bringing his hand away from my face and into his lap.

"I need you Chloe," he said in barely a whisper, staring down at my hands instead of back into my eyes.

"I…I-I'm not going a-anywhere Derek." I stuttered, the weight of what he said hitting me hard, "I'm not going to leave you mid-change…you know that!"

"No…" Derek said, glancing back up at me, "Chloe…I…I need you. Don't leave me please. I need you," his voice becoming firmer as he went on.

My mouth gaped a little; I was completely taken aback. I could feel his thumb running gently across my fingers, and I could see him sitting there in front of me, trying to evaluate my response. But I couldn't comprehend what he had actually said.

"I need you, Chloe," he repeated his voice a mere whisper again. I felt his other hand on my waist, pulling me towards him until my hips bumped against his knees. Even with him seated, and me standing, I still had to tip my head back to get a good look at him.

Slowly, he slid down off the counter, wrapping his arm tighter around my waist. In one fluid motion, he had lifted me back into his seat, and our positions were now switched. He placed a hand on the inside of my knee and gently pushed it to one side, looking back at me to see if this was alright. In response, I slid my legs apart, giving him just enough room to step closer, our faces now only a few inches apart.

"I…Derek I don't…I don't know what to say…" I told him honestly, his breath warm on my face. He reached forward to brush a stand of hair off of my cheek and I closed my eyes in response.

"Just tell me you need me too," he said softly, his lips only millimeters away now, "Tell me you'll stay."

"I need you Derek." No stutter this time. I could feel the truth behind the words the moment I said them. "I'll…"

His lips pressed against mine before I could even finish my statement. "Close enough," I felt him murmur against my mouth and I smiled, feeling as if a thousand pound weight had been lifted off my chest.

This was my first kiss – and it was everything that I could have imagined. I could care less about the location. All I cared about was the boy who was holding me, the one who I'd been suppressing my feelings for, for much too long. Feelings that up until this moment, I wasn't even completely sure were right; but now I couldn't believe that I had ever doubted my heart.

Derek pulled away and looked down at me, a small smile dancing on his lips. Instinctively, I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling myself as close to him as I could. He bent down again and this time, I was not as surprised, and I arched my torso towards him. I longed to feel his warmth pressed up against me. Sensing my desire he pulled me flat up against his bare chest.

I hesitated. "But Derek, your chest…" I said with a worried tone, leaning back slightly.

"Hush!" was the last thing word he spoke before his lips were on top of mine again.

With our chests as close as they were, I could feel our hearts both racing and pounding beneath our shirts. I imagine they were loud enough for Derek to hear, but we were both becoming a little too preoccupied to care. Derek slid my sweatshirt off my arms, and rubbed his hands against my exposed skin, leaving a tingling path wherever he touched.

I kissed him harder, our lips moving together urgently now. After a few moments, I felt Derek's lips part slightly, deepening the kiss and inhaled sharply when I felt his tongue trace my bottom lip. This was all new to me, but it couldn't feel more right. Sparks spread throughout my body as our tongues danced around each other, both of our hands clawing to pull the other closer.

Before I knew it, I was being lifted clear off the counter and I felt Derek's hands coaxing my legs around his waist. My arms remained around his neck and he supported the rest of my weight in one arm, the other hand tracing the skin beneath the hem of my shirt.

"Derek…" I whispered breaking the kiss, staring longingly into his eyes.

I want your opinion on how to continue this story. I could go in a little bit more of a sexual direction, still tasteful of course, before ending it. Or i could just use Part Three (final part), as a way of wrapping up the scene, and leaving their new romance as is. Either way, i would love to hear your feedback and get some reviews! I won't post the final chapter if no one is reviewing!

XOXOX