9
Steve's mouth dropped. No way is Chrissy saying what I think she is saying. She's just getting overemotional because she's leaving tomorrow. I mean, she just started talking about the rape less than two months ago. There is no possible way she is ready for me to make love to her. I would never feel right about doing it, especially if she isn't ready.
Steve grasped Chrissy's shoulder, still having a difficult time putting words together to form a sentence. He laughed, "Chrissy, you don't know what you're saying."
Chrissy replied, "Yes, I do, Steve. I want you to come in the house, take me up to my bedroom, and make love to me until we can't move."
Despite the fact that Steve was utterly stunned by Chrissy's bold statements, his entire body was now completely aware of her. Sure, he'd had flitting thoughts and fantasies cross his mind when he was with Chrissy or thought about her. He'd imagined making love to her many times, but that didn't mean he wasn't willing to wait until she was absolutely ready for that type of intimacy. He really was. Now, he was completely confused. Was Chrissy really ready to take that big of a step, or was she just doing it to cling to whatever was left of their relationship?
Steve shook his head. "Chrissy, I don't think you're ready for this."
Chrissy looked as though she was on the verge of tears. "I'm ready. I know I'm ready. I'm not sure you are. Don't you want me, Steve?"
Hearing Chrissy say that broke Steve's heart. Of course he wanted her. Steve leaned close and whispered, "Honey, you know I want you. Any man would be crazy not to. I just don't want to rush you into something I know you're not ready for."
Chrissy shook her head frantically. "You weren't the one who was raped. I was, and I think I would know when I'm ready for something as intimidating as sex. I feel that I'm ready to try it and I would really like to share that experience with you."
Steve kissed her tenderly on the cheek. "I'm flattered. Don't think I'm not, Chrissy, I'm just afraid of scaring you or possibly hurting you more."
Chrissy answered, "I know you would never hurt or scare me intentionally. Don't you believe that?"
Steve nodded, "I know that. I guess I still just have this fear of hurting you and that you wouldn't tell me even if I did."
Chrissy aimed her gaze at the ground. "I'm not going to lie. I probably wouldn't say anything even if I was scared or anything. I trust you, Steve."
"Yes, but just because you trust the other person doesn't mean you should sacrifice your comfort for them."
"Steve, you've put up with a lot from me over the past couple of months. I think you deserve something in return for all you've dealt with."
"Baby, I don't need compensation for that. I love you. I'm happy just having you love me back."
Chrissy smiled, the tears in her eyes threatening to spill onto her face. "That's so sweet."
Steve laughed, "Once again, something you don't need to mention to Danny."
Chrissy laid her head against his chest. "By the way, I hate to admit this, but you were right. I'm not ready to have sex yet. Still, would you stay with me tonight? I just want to feel you beside me."
Steve gathered her in his arms and kissed her hair. "There's no other way I'd rather spend tonight."
