Lillian's P.O.V.

I stirred awake under the warm sheets the next morning. My knee accidentally bumped into someone, causing me to open my eyes. I sat up, the sheets and quilt fell from my bare chest. My eyes drifted over to Cam as memories of the previous night flashed through my mind. I remembered at one point eating the birthday dinner he made for me but that was buried by more important events. We were frequently intertwined with one another last night, only stopping for a short while now and then. My heart pounded. Somehow, I felt like the exact same person, and completely different all at once. I kept looking at the sleeping man beside me. Unlike the morning of the first he too was naked. I could barely see feint pink trails going down his arm. I hadn't intended to leave any marks. As I moved to wake him up I could feel a bit of soreness coming from my lower abdomen. To be fair it didn't hurt like it used to but this wasn't pleasant. I knew from word of mouth that it was a one time deal. I shifted myself so I was leaning over him. "Cam." I looked at the clock, making sure it was as late as I thought. "Cam." I repeated.

Suddenly his arms snaked around me and pulled me on top of him. A startled giggled escaped me. "Morning." He mumbled against my skin as he kissed my neck. "How are you doing?" His fingers drew shapes on my back

"Honestly? I'm a little disoriented." He arched an eyebrow. "No. Nothing bad. It's just, a lot happened yesterday. I'm just trying to get my head around it." He held me tightly against him, and pulled my head down to his shoulder. I took deep breaths, enjoying the relaxing smell that was him.

"I meant it all." I couldn't see his face but I heard the smile.

"I did as well " I released a long sigh. "I feel. Different. Amazing but different."

"Join the party." He laughed. I didn't assume he hadn't had sex before, but I also didn't exactly think he did. Even still we spoke of love, which most seem to be a more intimate thing than sex. Suddenly I was flipped onto my back and he propped himself up over me. He just looked at me with this tender expression. "I really did mean it though." He bent down and kissed my collarbone. "I am in love with you." My heart soared just hearing that. "I don't know how long I've felt this way, but I know I do." I couldn't keep a stupid grin off my face.

"And I." I kissed the top of his head. "Love you." He pressed himself closer to me. I groaned slightly at the pressure. Immediately he pulled away concerned.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I'm just a little sore from last night." I said sheepishly.

"I'm sorry. I tried to make it-" I pressed my lips to his, silencing him. I couldn't stand seeing him lament over something that he couldn't have prevented.

"No matter when we did it, how slow you went, or whatever. It was still going to be sore." I cursed my hymen mentally. "Although." I purred, thinking about the events of last night. "It was completely worth it." He smirked.

"Oh really?"

"Absolutely." I drew him in towards me. Kissing him passionately and beginning something I knew we wouldn't finish for a while.

It was almost eleven when we finally got out of the bed. "You want to shower first or?" I offered.

"No, you go. I'll do it later." He slid his boxers back on as he spoke.

"You sure? It's no issue." He simply pointed to the bathroom. I obliged and went to the bathroom, grabbing a fresh towel from the linen closet as I passed by.

it was winter and I was washing enough sweat off me that it felt like summer. I hadn't noticed how much exercise I got last night and this morning. Parts of me ached that I didn't know could ache. They were simply muscles I didn't use or stretch frequently. The hot water felt nice on my sore muscles and cold body. I stepped out of the bathroom squeaky clean.

My bedroom was unfortunately drafty. Quickly I dried off and threw on my underwear, high-waisted jeans and a tank top I kept tucked in the pants. When it came to clothes I preferred function to fashion but that doesn't mean I didn't want cute clothes. As I descended the stairs I felt the immediate rush of heat radiating from the wood stove. Luna happily bounced towards me, rubbing herself up against my legs, greeting me after a long trip. "Hi Luna." I crouched down and pet her head. I looked over to Mister who was happily asleep on the back of the couch. "He sure made himself at home, huh?" I asked the kitten who simply stared at me with her big yellow eyes. "Yeah." I agreed with her. I knew full well she had no idea what I was talking about but my positive tone satisfied her. The strong scent of pancakes filled the air. I followed my nose, knowing Cam would be the one making them.

I took my place at the table, a hot cup of coffee and stack of pancakes sat there waiting for me. I took a sip. He knew how I liked it, 1/3 milk and a few spoons of sugar. "Hey, I was wondering."

"What's that?" I felt my face heat up and I kept my gaze focused on my coffee.

"Were you. . . rather, was last night your, er, your first time?" I peeked up at him through my bangs. He coughed, trying to clear his throat. It was obvious I caught him off guard.

"Y-y-yes." He admitted sheepishly, still working on breakfast. "W-why?" He tensed up. "Did I do something wrong?"

"No!" I laughed nervously. "Not at all, I was just curious." He turned to look at me.

"Were you. . .?" He didn't finish his sentence, just letting it trail off.

"Yeah." I nodded, taking a long sip of my coffee. "Honestly, I'm a little surprised."

"Surprised?" He ran a hand through his knotted hair, combing it out nervously.

"Well, it's just." I mindlessly began picking at fingernails. "You're so," I wanted to say 'wow' but I figured that wasn't ideal. ", good looking. I mean, it's weird to think that you of all people haven't."

"Me?" I wasn't sure if he was laughing at me or at my assumption. "You're kidding right?" He scoffed.

"What?" I pouted as he placed a stack of pancakes in front of me.

"Lillian." I looked up, no longer used to hearing my full name from him. "I-I thought you already knew," He sounded so embarrassed, as if he was admitting a deep dark secret. ", you're my first girlfriend." I nearly inhaled the coffee in my mouth. I couldn't believe my ears. He was so good looking, so gentle, caring, sweet, and compassionate. How wasn't he with someone before? I mean, sure he was super awkward around people, especially girls. But I thought that at one point he might have dated someone else. "Here." He said, changing the subject. I looked up at him expecting a plate of breakfast meats or eggs. Instead he was holding a thin blue box. He could tell I was confused. "It's your present Lily." I remembered the box of lace garments I had in my bag. "What? Don't tell me you thought sex was your gift?" I couldn't help but laugh at his sarcasm, I took the box and pulled at the ends of the white ribbons. He just stood there waiting. In the box sat a glass vial the was filled with some pale yellow fluid.

I opened the bottle and took a whiff. It was very floral, but underneath it all I could smell something earthy. "Is there sandalwood in there?" It was one of the few cologne scents I liked that my father owned.

"There is." He seemed surprised that I could smell it. "There's also jasmine, rose-hip, ylang ylang, and vanilla."

"This is delicious, did you make it?" He nodded.

"It's a special blend, I made it just for you." I stood and hugged him tightly.

"It's perfect, I love it." I planted a kiss on his lips.

"Happy birthday Lily."