This time, for the first time, they were together at the Compound. Specifically, in her shower. The shower began alone. She was rinsing her hair with her neck thrown back when suddenly she had to brace herself on the tile in front of her. Because Jonny had slipped in behind her, pressed his naked skin flush with hers and was skimming his hands over her slowly. Touching as much of her as he could reach. Eventually, he settled one hand between her legs and the other flat on her stomach to keep her where he wanted.

"I love your hands…Please don't stop," she whispered desperately. She wanted to pull him even closer, but the only option she had was to throw her arm behind her and around his neck. He licked her neck in response and circled her clit faster. His arousal was digging into her lower back and it turned her on even more. Knowing she was the reason for it.

She wanted to touch him too. He did not put up a fight when she turned in his arms and pushed him against the wall with two hands. She pressed her palms into his chest firmly for a few seconds and then deliberately ran them down the front of him until she was on her knees.

"Jess!"

The sound he made in anticipation spurred her on. Without hesitation or fear, she took him in her mouth. Sliding her tongue and her hands around him. Enjoying the way he looked down at her and the way he said her name as she made him feel good. She loved the way that he gripped fistfuls of her hair when she scraped her teeth down his length and the way her movements made his knees buckle, but she stopped short of letting him finish. Instead, standing back up and staring him down.

She was overwhelmed by the heat between them. The need. Jonny gave her a grin. The one that made her knees buckle. He knew what she wanted and she knew he knew

"Say it," he growled.

"Fuck me," she ordered.

He picked her up and propelled them into motion until her back hit the wall with a thud. She kissed him passionately and wrapped her legs around his waist as he moved. Locking her ankles to keep him where she wanted. Like she was afraid it would end too soon. She felt his dick pressed up against her skin again. So hard and so close, but not close enough. It was unbelievably intoxicating.

"Jonny," she cried out. Breaking away from the kiss almost violently and breathing heavily against his ear. "I want you now! Please," she practically begged.

Then she woke up alone. Drenched in sweat, frustrated as fuck and seriously wanting to throw her alarm clock out the window.

"Jonny," she said his name softly and sank back down into her pillows with a sigh. Once again, she did not have time to cool off or take care of herself without being late. She was supposed to meet him soon, so she got ready fast and was on her way downstairs only a minute late. When her foot hit the last step, the butterflies erupted. She was not sure if they represented fear or excitement, but they were making her feel sick either way.

"Morning," he greeted with a smile when she walked into the kitchen.

"Hey," she smiled back and tried to give herself an internal pep talk. She could not back down. If only for her own sanity. "Ready?" she prompted.

He led the way outside. "You sure you're gonna be able to keep up with me?" he taunted as they began with a light jog. "It's been a while since you've run with the real deal."

She laughed. "Shut up and try to keep up with me. I've been maintaining my shit," she shot right back.

"I can tell," he cocked his head and looked her up and down.

"Are you flirting with me, Hotshot?"

"Maybe," he winked and then took off like lightening.

"Don't cheat," she screamed. Taking off after him.

She eventually caught up and they ran in silence along the beach. Jessie enjoyed the endorphins and took a moment to feel grateful that she got to grow up in such a beautiful place. The cold wind and the ocean droplets smacking her in the face were oddly soothing and allowed her to think straight. She knew what she wanted to say and had the chance to rehearse it in her mind several times during the run.

About five miles down the beach, Jonny decided that he could not wait any longer. He had been up most of the night thinking about her. That was not new, but he was mostly trying to figure out what she wanted to talk about. He got the impression it was serious and found it unsettling that he had no clue what to expect. After glancing at her for the hundredth time mid-step and noticing that she was still lost in thought, he slowed down and grabbed her hand so she would stop too.

"What's wrong?" she asked. "Did I win?"

"Sure," he shrugged.

Uncharacteristically, he did not care about winning. "Tell me what's going on?" he pushed and saw her eyes widen. "You're making me nervous," he admitted. "Do you wanna go talk on the rocks or go back to the Compound? It's chilly out. Maybe we should go back? I don't want you to get sick," he finished quickly.

"Let's go back," she agreed. Hoping to maintain her bravado. The pace was faster on the return. They made record time.

Once back inside, her butterflies returned in full force, but she was ready to go after what she wanted. She would regret it if she did not try. And she was tired of hoping he would make a move. Not that she had ever given him any indication that was okay. If anything, she had made a point of doing the opposite for years.

'Oh God,' she prayed. 'Don't let him laugh at me.'

"I'm gonna grab a quick shower," he announced. "Meet in my room after?" he offered.

"Sounds like a plan," she grinned and again hoped she was not coming off too weird.

That gave her a chance to rehearse one more time.

XXX

Her heart started to beat wildly when she sat down on his bed. He was still in his bathroom and she could hear him moving around. It occurred to her that she should leave. Wait until he was finished and then knock on the bedroom door like a normal person. But she was afraid she would not come back if she left and was also secretly hoping to catch him in just a towel so she stayed.

'Stop being a creeper,' she chastised herself. Getting off the bed and moving over to his couch in an attempt to not come off as pathetic. It helped that he emerged from the bathroom fully dressed.

"So…what's going on?" he asked softly. Sitting on the couch beside her.

Jessie thought he looked nervous, but she liked that he turned so his whole body faced her direction. She mirrored him as she took a big breath and then a second one while trying to remember how her speech started. Her mind was blank though so she decided to improvise. "This is hard for me to say out loud."

Jonny's heart dropped when she was slow to continue. "Christ…did something happen at school? Are you okay?" he rushed.

His concern put her at ease. "I'm fine," she promised. "This is more… embarrassing."

"Okay," he let out a long breath. Relieved.

"Can I ask you something personal, first? I told you about Bill," she kept talking before he could agree or disagree. "How…so how are things going with Sarah?" she finished quickly. Trying to keep the jealousy out of her voice. That was the last girl she could remember him mentioning.

"She's fun," he answered honestly. "But we're just…having fun. It's not serious," he clarified in case Jessie was going to say something he wanted to hear.

"Are you two having sex?" she blurted out. Wincing at her own boldness, but it was information she needed.

"Huh?" he asked. Clearly caught off guard.

"I'm not trying to pry," she explained. "It's none of my business. But I have…questions and you're the only one I feel comfortable discussing it with. I mean…I would with Hadji too," she began to ramble uncertainly. "…actually that's not true, but I'm pretty sure he hasn't had sex yet so it's moot. Or has he? Do you know? I have no idea," she admitted and then went quiet. Out of breath from that exhausting detour and awaiting his answer anxiously. She knew he had more experience than her but did not know how much. It would not bother her if he said yes. At least someone would know what to do she had rationalized. But she also thought it would be nice to fumble through it for the first time together.

Instead of responding, he was staring at her with an expression she could not place. "Jonny? You said yesterday we could discuss sex, right?" she reminded.

He nodded yes. Wary of saying the wrong thing. "Um…Hadj and I haven't talked about it, but I think you're right," he agreed.

"And you?" she asked. Feeling bad when his face got red.

"I…uh…I haven't either," he said slowly and shifted uncomfortably. Breaking eye contact.

"Why not?" she filled the silence so it would not get more awkward. The last thing she wanted was for him to feel embarrassed. "I know it's not for lack of opportunity," she added.

Jonny was not sure where the conversation was going, but he knew he could be honest with her.

"Truthfully, it's confusing," he sighed. "I've thought about why a lot, but I've never tried to explain it to someone. Believe me…it's not that I don't want to. I WANT to. More than I want most things," he paused to organize his thoughts.

She did not want to interrupt, but she did want to tell him that she knew how that felt. And she wished he would look at her again.

"It's…I don't want it to be something casual," he cleared his throat. "I guess I need…"

"A connection?" she offered since he was struggling.

He looked at her and nodded. "Obviously, I like the girls I take out. I wouldn't waste my energy on them if I didn't enjoy their company, but sex…I've avoided letting it go that far because no matter how many girls tell me we can keep it light and they won't change on me after or expect a commitment," he shook his head. "I don't trust it. I actually haven't been on a date in weeks. The…offers were getting weirder…more intense. I don't know for sure, but I think they're all talking about it behind my back and it's turned into some kind of competition. That's what it feels like anyway."

"Want me to hit someone?" she deadpanned. Again an attempt to hide her jealousy. She did not like what she was hearing. Made her dislike Sarah more. All of them.

"No," he chuckled. "But thank you. As tempted as I get some days, I'm trying very hard to be responsible."

"Wow," she smiled. Impressed. Turned on. "That doesn't sound like the impulsive boy I've known my entire life."

"Well…I've gotten around a thousand lectures from my dad and Race over the last few months. I guess some of it has sunk in good," he rolled his eyes.

"Like my dad has any room to judge," she scoffed.

"I thought that too, but decided not to bring it up," he told her.

"Probably wise," she agreed. "What if Sarah was your girlfriend?" she asked. "Would that make a difference?"

"Of course," he said. "I'm not saving myself for marriage. And I haven't...been a boy scout or anything," he cleared his throat. "But I need to be with someone I trust to go further than I already have. I don't have trust with any of the girls I've been seeing recently," he chose his words very carefully and then veered back to her original point. "What are your questions? I'll answer if I can."

The prompt took her by surprise even though she should have expected it. She decided to be as honest as she could stomach without feeling foolish.

"I'm in the same boat," she admitted. "I've been thinking about it a lot lately…obviously. Why I'm waiting. If I should keep waiting. I'm tempted daily…"

"But I thought you didn't trust Bill?" Jonny asked. A little alarmed.

"I don't, but I can't help how I'm feeling either," she said and then continued quickly before he could interrupt. "Remember how I told you that I feel like I'm surrounded by sex? Well…I mean that literally. Bill is constantly trying to take it there and Cori's boyfriend sleeps over almost every night, but they don't get much sleep. It's so hard to be making out with Bill and hear everything going on in Cori's room and not want to experience it too," she closed her eyes.

Jonny was sweating at this point even though it was the middle of December. He had to talk her out of it. He could not let her have sex with Bill. He knew she would regret it and the idea made his skin crawl. Because he wanted to be the guy. He wanted to come right out and say it, but could not work up the courage. Bill had pressured her enough. He could not think of a way to suggest it without coming off like an ass after their conversations in the last twenty-four hours.

"Jess," he started slowly. "I understand what it feels like to be caught up in the moment. How hard it is to stop, but you'll regret it if this guy is your first."

She opened her eyes and wanted to drown in his. "I know. That's one of the reasons I haven't done anything with him yet."

"What're the other reasons?" he asked. Hoping that listing them out would help her realize that she should not even entertain the idea.

"Well," she exhaled. "I know sex is all he wants and, even though it's all I want from him also, I'm too stubborn to let him win. He's only sticking around because I'm a challenge. And I agree with you that trust is important. I don't trust him at all. I don't want him talking about me to other men. I'm sure he already does, but it doesn't bother me when I know it's all lies. Every time things get heated and he starts to take my clothes off, those thoughts rush to the front of my mind and I stop him, but it's not easy. And on top of all that I feel self-conscious about everything," she finished. "Which helps me with stopping, but does not help in general."

"What do you have to feel self-conscious about?" he asked. Thrown by that comment. "You're gorgeous."

"Thanks," she looked down. Flushing and shaking her head no, but appreciating the compliment coming from him. "It's not my body that I'm self-conscious about though. It's my lack of experience. I don't know what I'm doing and I know that nobody knows what they're doing at first, but most girls learn a lot in high school and they learn with guys that are just as inexperienced as they are. I missed that stage and now it seems like everyone already knows what they're doing and it's very intimidating being behind the curve."

"Who gives a fuck what anyone thinks?" he huffed. "Any guy actually worthy of you won't care that you're inexperienced. As far as not being good," he paused. "I highly doubt that'll be the case, Jess. And I'm not just saying that," he finished softly. "You're a quick study."

"I'm not worried because I care what people think. It's not that at all," she clarified. "You asked for reasons and I was just pointing out that my insecurities have helped keep my virginity intact. If I cared about Bill's opinion on the subject, we would've had sex weeks ago. I've never even…"

"Never what?" he asked.

"It's not important," she said. Feeling embarrassed. The theme of the day.

"I thought you wanted to discuss this," he countered.

"I've never…okay, we're both adults. So, I'm just gonna tell you."

"I'm listening," he confirmed. "I'll help if I can."

'Be careful what you wish for,' she thought sarcastically.

"I've never had girlfriends or sleepovers where you get to practice kissing your own hand or discussing what techniques guys like when you go down on them," she looked down and noticed that he shifted uncomfortably again. "I've thought about it a lot and read about it a bit so I'm pretty sure that I know what I'm doing, but I've never actually tried. Bill's been very patient all things considered."

"It's not like he deserves a god damned medal, Jess. You've only known him a few months. I don't care what he's used to or expects. He should respect your wishes period. He certainly shouldn't be praised for it," Jonny yelled.

"I agree, but I'm also realistic. That's not the world we live in. Especially, in the realm of dorm life. Wait until next year. Ten times as many girls will be throwing themselves at you," she alleged. He thought she sounded sad and he wanted to fix it.

"Oh awesome," he said without enthusiasm. "You sure you don't wanna transfer to Harvard?" he asked again with a charming smile. "I can benefit from your kickass bullshit detector too. You can save me from the crazies. I'll keep the jerks that hit on you away."

She laughed out loud at that. Grateful that he lightened the mood and ready to get to her point. She was insanely nervous. The other theme of the day. "Jonny," she said softly. Soberly. Her heart was going a mile a minute.

"Yeah?" he asked. Thrown off once more by her sudden change in demeanor. She knew how to keep him guessing.

"I have one more question." She hesitated.

"You can ask me anything?" he told her again.

"I know," she grinned. "But this is more like a huge favor and I don't want you to feel obligated because it's me asking. If you think it's weird or out of line…"

"Jess," he cut her off. His curiosity getting the better of him. "What is it?"

"I'm…very ready to have sex and I want my first time to be with you, Jonny." She could not believe she finally got it out. He looked like he was in shock so she tried to explain further. "We've talked a lot about trust and regret being important where sex is concerned. Well…I know that I trust you and I know that I would never regret you no matter what else happened. And I don't want you to think I'm just using you. I'd never do that. You're too important to me. But this is a big step and I wanna take it with you. I can't see myself waiting until marriage either so I thought maybe tonight we could…" She let that statement hang in the air.

Meanwhile, Jonny's mind was in overdrive. It was like a fucking wet dream come true, but he could not talk. He could not seem to remember how to talk. And he certainly could not move. Because their conversation plus her suggestion had not left him in the most graceful state. He just hoped that she did not notice. He loved her idea. He was nervous about all the same things as her. So, figuring it out together seemed great.

But what about the aftermath? What if Race found out? What if she did end up regretting it? What if he sucked and ruined her first time? But, most importantly, what if he fell even more in love with her? Would he be able to swallow his pride and watch her with someone else after making love to her? If he declined, she would not stay a virgin forever. Someone else would get to be that man. Did he trust anyone else to treat her like she deserved? To treat her the way he would. She was waiting for an answer, but his conflicting inner dialogue and the hard on he was trying desperately to ignore were still hindering his ability to speak.

"Jonny?" she moved closer to him on the couch.

Her voice and proximity did not help.

She had noticed his breathing speed up and when she got closer she noticed something else too. Through his sweatpants.

"Sorry," he apologized profusely. Shifting away when he noticed her gaze. "I'm sorry," he repeated. Looking down. 'Fuck.'

"It's fine," she told him. Rubbing his knee. "Don't apologize."

"That doesn't really help," he said with difficulty. Motioning toward her hand.

Jessie bit her lip and then decided to take a chance. "What about this?" she asked. Running her hand up his thigh until she came in contact with the bulge in his pants.

Jonny opened his mouth a little, but nothing came out except a loud breath. Jessie took that as a positive sign and kept going. Moving even closer and massaging him through the fabric. His eyes were glazed, but they were glued to hers. She could not have looked away if she tried.

"Jess," he called out. Like he did in her dreams. It encouraged her to keep going. On instinct, she flattened her palm over him and then ran her hand under his t-shirt. Stroking his muscled stomach while she worked up the nerve to do more and thought about where to put her other hand.

"Tell me what to do?" she leaned over and whispered in his ear. If this was one of her dreams that would have been a sexy demand. In real life, it was an insecure question and sounded like it.

There were a lot of things he wanted her to do and more things that he wanted to do to her, but he resisted temptation. This was his best friend. His best friend who he was in love with. He turned his head until he caught her eyes again. His fluttered when her hand trailed over his waistband. He had never wanted to kiss her more, but he resisted that too. "Feels good," he praised. "I trust you." He wanted her to trust herself. Wanted to see what she would do.

She still felt unsure, but improvising had gotten her this far. She did not know what to do so she decided to do something she had always wanted to. She straddled him. Her knees dug into the couch, but she did not put any weight on him. Instead, she hovered over him. One hand still on his waistband and the other on his neck.

His head was tipped back slightly so he did not lose her eyes. That was his touchstone. They did not need a safe word. He would know so long as she was looking at him. He swallowed hard and tried to control his breathing while he waited. He spread his arms across the top of the couch to resist touching her. He wanted to touch her. He wanted to grab her hips and feel her body on top of his.

He had never been more hyperaware of another person. It seemed like she was moving toward him in slow motion. He held his breath. He felt her forehead rest against his first, her left hand cupped his neck next and then her right hand slowly slipped inside his pants and boxers in one fluid motion to wrap around the base of his dick.

"Jess," he called out again. Trying to stare into her soul, squirming his hips and gripping the couch as hard as he could in anticipation of her stroke.

Jessie was anticipating it as much as him. She had dreamed about being this close to him for months and now she was.

Neither was disappointed when she ran her fisted hand over his length.

He felt just like she had imagined. She could not stop flashes of her dreams from flooding her mind. It was overwhelming.

Jonny, on the other hand, could not process much. All he could focus on was how amazing it felt to be alone with the girl he loved while she touched his dick and started to moan softly before he even touched her.

'God I wanna touch her,' he thought pathetically, but refused to give in.

Jessie continued to stroke him slowly. Paying attention to his every reaction when she was not distracted by her own desire.

"Yes," he whispered when she swiped her thumb roughly over his tip and spread the moisture that had gathered there around. Then she gripped him tighter and moved a little faster. She noticed that his breathing seemed to correspond with the pace of her hand and she loved that he never closed his eyes. He kept them on her the entire time. Deep in her heart, she knew he did not do that with other girls.

"Do you want me to go faster?" she asked. Only a trace of nervousness was left in her voice.

Jonny swallowed hard and nodded yes. He could not find his voice again. After that, it did not take long before he felt the beginnings of the end. He had fantasized about her so many times that he could not last long in the reality of it.

He bit his lip and finally gave in. Closing his eyes and touching her while he came undone. He buried his left hand in her hair and laced the fingers of his right with her free hand. He tried to suppress the groan that started at his core, but failed. It was four years in the making. He tipped his head forward and released it against her neck. When the waves of pleasure receded, his hand dropped from her hair and hit the couch hard. He felt like a puddle. It was the most erotic experience of his young life.

"Oh my God," he panted as she removed her hand from his pants and shimmied off his lap. He felt the loss immediately. Gripping her hand tighter to avoid losing all contact.

She stayed close. Watching him catch his breath and glancing at their still linked hands.

He turned his head toward her and opened his eyes like it took great effort. "I thought you said you've never done that before," he smiled. "And that's a compliment," he added.

She grinned shyly and felt her face get hot. "Don't just say that though," she responded. "I'm sure that would've been better with some kind of lubrication, right? I'd appreciate constructive criticism, and…"

She was cut off by his loud laugh. He could not believe what he was hearing.

"First of all, I don't say shit to you that I don't mean," he told her seriously. "And second of all, that felt more amazing than…than, well…it was awesome," he finally declared. "Do you see what you've done to me? I can't even form a proper thought and I'm having trouble remembering my middle name. I don't know what that's about."

"It's Benton," she chuckled.

"That sounds right," he shrugged. When he started to feel normal again, all he could think about was how badly he wanted to return the favor, but they had not clarified anything yet and she interrupted his thoughts before he could decide.

"So…I'm guessing that wasn't your first-hand job?" she asked curiously.

"Uh…no," he answered honestly. "But I was honored to be your first," he replied with a grin.

"Shut up," she laughed. "So how do girls normally start that?" she asked. "I assume they don't sneak attack you like me?"

"I love it when you surprise me," he wanted her to know. "But I guess, normally, it just evolves from a heated make-out session."

"And how do you…reciprocate?" she asked quickly. Feeling her face get redder.

Jonny again was not sure where she was going, but he figured he would keep answering all of her questions truthfully until they got there.

"Depends where we are and how much time we have," he told her. Sitting up straighter.

Jessie got the picture and thought that alone in a mansion was a pretty good place to be. She could tell that he was willing too. It was clear from the way he was looking at her. But she did not want him to feel obligated and she definitely wanted him to make a decision about her proposal uninfluenced by raging hormones.

"Have you let Bill…" he ventured when she went quiet.

"No…not at all," she interrupted and then squeezed his hand.

"Can I show you?" he whispered boldly.

Her heart skipped and her mind went blank. "Show me what exactly?"

Jonny inched closer. Dropping her hand and wrapping both of his around her face. He leaned over until his bottom lip was touching hers. He felt her breath hit his lips, but he did not kiss her. Not technically. He felt her freeze and hold her breath too. He was hoping for another surprise, but a simple kiss initiated by her would have made his day. Crazy, but true.

"Show me what?" she asked again. Her lips moved against his as she spoke.

It was not what he wanted, but still sent an insane jolt through his body. He had to close his eyes and catch his bearings before responding. "I want to show you how I'd reciprocate the best hand job I've ever gotten," he offered.

A needy sound erupted through her lips. She was too turned on to be self-conscious about it. "Jonny!"

His name rolling off her tongue like that put him over the edge. "I want to," he pressed. "I want to so bad I can't see straight."

Jessie turned her head and kissed his cheek instead. "Think about what I said," she whispered. "I meant every word. I want you tonight, but I need you to make the decision with a totally clear head so I'm gonna go for now."

She stood and he instinctively reached for her, but was not fast enough. "Jess. Please stay."

She smiled down at him. "Jonny. Please think about it," she teased. "And then come let me know," she finished seriously. Heading for the door.

"Hey," he called after her.

She turned around patiently. "I'm not accepting an answer now. I actually do want you to think about it."

"I was just gonna say that I'm having trouble remembering my middle name again," he flirted.

She flirted right back. "I really like your dick Jonathan Benton Quest."

Jonny's eyes went wide. He was speechless as he watched her leave.

"Fuck…I love her," he mumbled. And he would never forget his middle name again. No matter the circumstances.

XXX

Jonny laid on the couch for a while. Enjoying the afterglow, still in shock and trying to commit all the details of the encounter to his memory. Eventually, he jumped in the shower again to cool off and clean up. That had been hands down, no pun intended, the best experience of his life. It was amazing and made him imagine how amazing it would feel to be inside her. But he did not have to imagine it much longer. All he had to do was say yes. He still had reservations, but his desire to be with her outweighed the rest. It was decided, but only forty minutes had gone by since she left. He figured he should hang out in his room for a few hours so she had no doubts about his clear head.

By three in the afternoon, Jonny was both starving and out of patience. He was excited to tell her and only mildly afraid that she had changed her mind. It did not take him long to find her, but when he did he was struck with an irrational jealousy. He caught sight of her through the kitchen window. She was sitting on the porch in what he interpreted as a deep conversation with his brother. Jonny knew he should have turned away. Instead, he kept watching them. Wondering what they were talking about.

'Did she only ask me because she saw me first?' he thought. He felt pretty sure she would not do that. But the doubt creeped in any way. She trusted Hadji deeply too. He knew that. Just like he knew about Jessie's crush on Hadji when she was fourteen. That crush nearly ruined Jonny's thirteenth year until he convinced himself she was over it.

Maybe she was second guessing herself and decided to tell Hadji everything. That would be embarrassing. When he saw her reach over and give his brother a big hug, he felt like a hot coal was burning in his stomach and knew he was in serious trouble. As they stood to come back inside, he wanted to run back upstairs, but forced himself to stay.

"Hey!" Hadji greeted when he caught sight of Jonny in the kitchen.

Jonny gave his brother a huge hug. "Welcome home."

Jessie leaned in the doorway and watched them. The smile on her face and the way she was looking at him when he met her eyes, calmed Jonny's heart. He smiled back and then released his brother.

"I'm hungry," Hadji announced. "How about we all have lunch?" he suggested.

"Sounds good," they both agreed.

"I'm starving," Jonny added.

Throughout the meal, they had a great time catching up. Jonny's heart jumped every time Jessie laughed or their eyes met for a second over grilled cheese sandwiches. He could not wait to be alone with her again.

Hadji turned to Jonny and interrupted that thought. "Jess and I need a trip to the mall for some Christmas shopping. Would you like to join?"

"As much as I love to shop," Jonny started sarcastically. "I'll pass. I've actually finished my shopping early for once and I feel no need to subject myself to the masses at the mall."

"I'm jealous," Hadji answered.

"Me too," Jessie smiled. "I'm gonna go get ready. I'll see you in a few, Hadj."

Jonny waited a few minutes and then made up an excuse to follow her. "I'm gonna take advantage of having the house to myself and get my wrapping done," he stated. "Have fun."

When he reached her door, he hesitated for just a second before knocking. "Come in," he heard her say and then he quickly opened and closed the door.

"You look cold," he commented. She had changed into a green sweater and a black skirt that went up about mid-thigh. She looked beautiful and he did not want her going out like that without him. "Aren't you gonna be cold?" he tried to ask casually as she zipped up long suede boots.

"Don't worry about me. I'll be fine," she assured.

"I know…I know," he said. Putting his hands up and leaning against her wall. "You can take care of yourself."

She walked up to him and grabbed the sides of the open button-down shirt he was wearing over his t-shirt. "I can, but I do appreciate the concern," she told him. Tipping her head back so she could see his eyes. She reached into his shirt and rubbed his back, but Jonny kept his hands in his pockets. He was having trouble focusing and was afraid he would not be able to wait if he touched her.

"So…?" she urged. Trying to hide her anxiety.

"You're sure this is what you want?" he asked steadily. Praying she said yes.

"Absolutely," she replied immediately.

Jonny let out a small sigh of relief and then leaned forward until his mouth was at her ear. "Then I absolutely want you," he whispered. "Tonight."

Jessie's words caught in her throat, but a huge grin spread across her face. She was so happy. When she pulled back slightly to catch his eyes again, she saw reflected back at her that he was just as excited. She knew in the back of her mind that Hadji was waiting for her, but she could not walk away from Jonny. She was completely wrapped up in the way he was looking at her.

"I wanna kiss you," he said thickly. Taking his hands out of his pockets and touching the sides of her face gently.

He got a small smile from her in return and knew he had permission. He could not wait a second longer. Closing in on her lips and kissing her like he had never kissed anyone. When she slipped him the tongue, he felt like his head would explode and he knew she must have felt how aroused he was because she kept pressing up against him and then barely pulling back before doing it again. She smiled into the kiss and he groaned a little each time she did it. They continued like that for a while. Totally oblivious to the outside world.

Then Jonny felt her hands running down his chest toward his zipper. A flash of even greater desire coursed through him. It took all of his resolve to stop her.

"Don't," he whispered huskily. Pulling back from her lips just enough to talk. He found both of her hands and laced all their fingers together.

She looked hurt for a split second until he switched their positions and clarified. "My turn," he pushed her up against the wall and kissed her again. He also lifted their entwined hands and held them above her head. His body was flush against hers and his mind was in overdrive again. He wanted to do more. He planned to do more, but he did not want to rush. He had told her that things usually started with a heated make-out session in his experience. This was the first time he was getting to do that with her and did not want to sprint through the make-out part. Based on their conversations, it seemed that making out was all she had done with other guys. Which meant she had samples to compare him too. The irrational jealousy was back. He wanted to eliminate them. Since he could not take them out physically, his only option was to make her forget.

Jessie felt light-headed between the way he was kissing her and his erection digging into her thigh. She tore her lips from his. Needing to suck in fresh air at the thought of him inside her. Then she leaned her head back and closed her eyes for a moment. Smiling softly as he watched her. She felt his breath on her skin as he kissed from her cheek to her ear and then along her jaw back toward her mouth.

"Mall," she mumbled before he reached her lips. Part time check. Part check to confirm she could still form words.

"Want me to stop?" he asked.

"No!" she rushed. Arching her body towards him and trying to free her hands from his hold above her head, but not that hard.

Jonny let go. Wrapping one arm around her waist and snaking the other between them so he could put a hand behind her head as he claimed her lips again. Jessie rested her hands flat on his chest, but fisted his shirt as the kiss intensified. Both to stay upright and to avoid moving them south. She whimpered at the idea and wondered when his hands would move south. She wanted him to show her. Needed him to touch her. Her heart plummeted like she was on the Tower of Terror when he made a move. The hand on her waist went up the back of her sweater until he was caressing bare skin and the other did not think twice about stretching her sweater down so he could suck on her neck.

"Jonny!" The slow burn was amazing, but reminded her too much of her dreams which always left her worked up and unsatisfied. And she was still worked up from his offer earlier in the day. Hadji arrived before she could steal any time alone. She had been simmering all day. "Please…"

Jonny lifted his head and leaned his forehead against hers. "That's not an answer."

"What?" she gave him a glazed over and confused look. "What was the question?"

He trailed his right hand down her body until it was resting on her outer thigh at the hem of her skirt. The confusion left her face as he did it. All he saw now was need. He started by tracing circles with his thumb on her skin. Still going slow to give her the chance to change her mind. But the way she was looking at him told him she was ready.

So, he moved his hand up her leg and across the waistband of her underwear. "Breathe," he told her. She exhaled a big breath and closed her eyes when he touched her through the fabric. Sliding two fingers between her legs in a teasing fashion.

"Who's the last guy you kissed?" he asked.

"Hmm?" she whined.

"That was the question," he clarified.

"You," she rolled her closed eyes, but her face scrunched up in pleasure when he did it again. "You," she repeated in a softer tone.

"Before today," he pushed.

"Why are you torturing me?" she complained.

"I'm not," he laughed. "Just wanna make sure you remember."

She opened her eyes and tried to glare at him, but was immediately drawn into the playful look on his face. "You're pretty impressed with yourself, huh?"

"Yeah," he grinned. Brushing his thumb over her clit and watching her react.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned forward to kiss him. Just a firm peck. "Still you," she whispered. "I've been dreaming about you," she admitted. Feeling vulnerable until he started to kiss her senseless again in response.

When she bit his lip, he finally gave in. Pushing the fabric aside to touch her with no barriers. She was so wet and warm he could have died a happy man. He broke the kiss to ask if she was still okay, but she cut him off before he could say a word.

"Don't stop," she kissed him again. With that, he slipped one finger inside of her. Quickly followed by a second.

She wrenched her lips away from his and cried out at the sensation. She had done this to herself, but that did not compare to him doing it. She could tell he was not inexperienced with this either. Pumping in and out of her slowly, while sucking on the pulse point behind her ear. She did not think it could get any better until his thumb brushed over her clit again. He kept it there. Moving in focused circles while curling the fingers inside her forward. "Oh God," she breathed into his neck. "Keep doing that."

Then he picked her up so she could wrap her legs around his waist. "Oh," she called out again. Everything she was feeling became ten times more intense when he stopped kissing her neck and just brought his eyes level with hers. That was when she felt all the tension they had been building start to release. That was also when she distantly heard a knock on her door and Hadji's voice.

Jonny saw the mixture of alarm and annoyance fill her eyes at the interruption and then saw surprise when he just grinned and kept on going.

Jessie could not believe her luck, but she did NOT want Jonny to stop. She swallowed hard and spoke loudly so that her voice would not break.

"I'm coming. I'll be right there. I'm coming," she yelled quickly. "Oh God," she whispered into Jonny's ear and wrapped her legs tighter around him. "I'm coming. Please don't stop," she begged. Feeling like she would explode if it did not fully hit her soon. And then it did and she had to bite his shoulder to keep from screaming out his name.

Jonny savored the moment. He loved that he was the first man to be inside her and he loved every reaction she had to him. He loved the feeling of her legs wrapped around him and he really loved watching her as she held her bottom lip firmly between her teeth, eyes closed and took deep breaths to try and regain control.

She hummed happily and slid down him languidly as he removed his hand. "That's what I've been missing out on?" she mused.

He smiled. Very happy with himself. Kissing her softly and finding it difficult to ignore his painful erection, which became even harder to ignore when her hand headed for his zipper again.

"Jessie," he whispered. "I can wait."

"You don't feel like it," she teased. Giving him a gentle squeeze.

"I've been waiting eighteen years," he said with difficulty. "You have to go. I can wait a few more hours."

"Alright," she told him and then started to giggle. "I can't go if you don't let me go though."

"I know," Jonny sighed. "You're okay?" he asked quietly. Hugging her tighter.

She gave him a chaste, but lingering kiss. "I feel amazing, Quest. That was amazing."

She pushed him away lightly when it became clear he would not be the one to step back. Adjusting her clothes as she headed for the door.

"Hey Jess," he called after her. He waited until she turned around and hit her with another uncontrollable grin. "I can wait, but I can't fucking wait."

"Me either, Hotshot."

"Hey Jess."

"Yeah?" she asked patiently.

"You look beautiful."