I take Josh's hand and lead him to my bedroom, hoping that I exude more confidence than I feel. I'm sure about this; there's nothing that I want more than to share this with him. I'm just a little nervous. I know that this is the real thing, it's not a fling for either of us, and I trust Josh implicitly. But somehow, it still seems incredibly important that this first time be perfect.

Normally, I wouldn't take the lead. And I'm a little surprised that Josh let me. But for all of his power and all of his ego, he was hesitant. He seemed to be somewhat unsure of himself. So, I got us to this point.

But now that we're in my bedroom, and I'm facing him, studying his his eyes in the residual light that is peeking in through the curtains. And I can see that something has changed. The uncertainty is gone.

Josh is back in charge.

His gaze flicks over me quickly and the pads of his fingers run down the side of my body with a featherlight touch. Every fiber of my being reacts. And I feel him, even in the places that he's yet to touch. I let out a shaky breath, a little overwhelmed at his intense scrutiny. Then, after only a moment, he leans in again, to capture my lips once more.

As we are kissing, I run my fingers across the waist of his pants, barely skimming the inside until I reach the clasp, undoing it with precision. I can tell immediately that he's as ready for this as I am.

Something shifts between us and our tentative explorations become more intense. I can feel him rid himself of his shoes, as I work on removing his pants.

"Is this okay," he asks once more, needing to hear my consent again. "We don't have to-"

I understand that we're knocking on the door of no returns, and I appreciate that he's making sure that I'm completely willing, but I quickly cut off his suggestion. I have no reservations about any of this, or about him.

"Yes," I whisper into his ear, pressing my body against his to drive home my point. "It's okay with me. Is it okay with you? Are you having second thoughts?"

I can feel him smile against me and nod. "Oh, baby, It's more than okay," he tells me. He bends down a little and literally sweeps me off of my feet, takes the few steps to my bed and drops me on it. It's like something from a movie.

The sheer cheekiness of the move, throws me out of the mood for the moment and I giggle. Then I realize something else.

"Wait," I give him a little smile and he stops. "Did you just call me baby?"

"I, uh…" he takes a moment, trying to find the words. I'm amused to no end.

"You know what?" he finally states assertively. "I like it, alright? And It's staying. Okay, baby?"

I can't help to smile. "Okay."

"Okay?" Now he seems surprised. I think he was under the impression that I'd put up a fight.

"Okay." I'm resolute in my statement, and I wrap my arms around his neck as he continues to hold me. "But I get to pick a pet name for you, too."

Before he has a chance to protest. I press myself upward for another kiss. The bit of levity helped remind me who we are, but I don't want any more delays. We've waited far too long for this night.

"Joshua," I whisper softly, "make love to me."

And he does.