The summer weeks pass in a haze of heat and exploration. Gilbert spends nearly every evening at Paddy's Place and their new relationship evolved. They settled into a compatible rhythm where Anne cooks and Gilbert sets the table upon arrival. After dinner, Gilbert washes while Anne dries. They then move to the parlor and generally spend the rest of the evening locked in a series of scandalous embraces before Gilbert sneaks out the back door.

If not for Gilbert having to leave each night, Anne imagined this was rather a lot like marriage. She was surprised at how easily she fell into the routine and how much she enjoyed it. Marriage had never been on her mind in the way it was for Diana or sweet Ruby before she passed. She had dreams and ambitions outside of the home and she never wanted to be limited by a man. However, she found herself enjoying cooking dinners to share with Gilbert each night and looking forward to his company all day. It probably helped that she knew Gilbert would never be the sort of man who would limit her, were they ever to marry. He had always been the one to push her to excel academically and encourage her to pursue her dreams, whatever they were. He happily edited her writing and urged her to apply for principal positions after graduation. She found herself thinking that marriage to a man like Gilbert wouldn't be the trap she had always feared. Of course, there were other benefits to marriage she had found herself thinking about as of late.

They had been far from chaste. It was to be expected when two such passionate people begin a romance. Their recent evenings together usually ignored the academic discussions they had so often engaged in to explore their newfound physical relationship. Things grew heated quickly and they usually gave into their lust. Anne felt she was a woman of the world and she saw no reason to limit herself to the propriety rules set by an older generation. Though he was exceptionally well mannered and known by most to be ever the gentleman, Anne had always brought out the more passionate side of Gilbert. Alone in her parlor, she glimpsed the one side of Gilbert Blythe that was not perfectly in control. Underneath all that supreme self control, Gilbert was still a virile young man and he gave into his lust just as quickly as she did.

Anne had ended up without her dress on at least three occasions. She now knew the exquisite sensational of Gilbert's lips on her breast and his fingers between her legs, stroking her to a peak. She had learned to stroke his manhood to his own release. Together, they had explored pleasure in nearly every way except for that most sinful of ways. It was scary and scandalous but they simply couldn't stop when the passion took over.

A Friday night in late June found Anne preparing a simple dinner and waiting for Gilbert to arrive as usual. She had the day off work and had spent in cleaning the house top to bottom. She had spent extra time on her room, making the bed with fresh sheets and adding a small vase of wildflowers on top of her dresser. Tonight was going to be a big as Gilbert was going to spend the night. They had decided a few nights previous that saying good bye was no fun. Gilbert had convinced his nosy landlady that he would be working some night shifts at the hospital so that he could stay over no questions asked.

Anne had bustled about all day to keep her nerves under control. It wasn't that she was scared to spend the night with Gilbert- they had already done so accidentally and she was truly looking forward to waking up beside him. Her nerves related more to the proposition she planned to make to Gilbert after dinner. She was unsure of his reaction and it made her nervous.

The creak of the old back door alerted her to his arrival. She turned from the stove to see Gilbert closing the back door, a small overnight bag in his left hand. His eyes met hers and his handsome face brightened immediately. Anne met him in the hall with a smile and a kiss. Though this was normal for them now, Anne could feel the deeper lust simmering under the surface and she wanted so much more of him. She blushed at her thoughts and turned back to the kitchen to finish preparing their meal.

"Why don't you run your bag up to my room while I finish," she called over her shoulder to Gilbert. He disappeared toward the stairs and Anne tried to collect her thoughts. She got so caught up in her own racing mind, she didn't hear Gilbert return. She startled when his arms wrapped around her from behind but she melted into his embrace when his warm lips started a soft trail down her slim neck and one of his hands moved over her breast. The spoon she had been using to stir the beans with slipped from her hand as she reveled in the sensations and clattered onto the stove. This broke their moment and Gilbert moved away from her with a cheeky grin, knowing he left her standing there a little hot and bothered.

Gilbert didn't know it but the moment has strengthened Anne's resolve to make her scandalous proposition after dinner. They ate quickly and Gilbert complimented her cooking as was his habit. She knew she was a fine cook but hearing it from him made her flutter. She was surprised at how much she craved his approval these days. She wanted him to like her meals more than anyone else. She tried not to dwell too long on that fact and what it indicated about her future.

They moved to the parlor after washing up the dishes and settled in. Gilbert immediately attached his warm lips to her neck again. She moaned lightly at the sensation that never got old before leaning down to boldly whisper in his ear.

"Make love to me."

His lips stopped at her words, his entire body going suddenly rigid. She instantly regretted her words. After a moment, he leaned back and his serious eyes met hers.

"Anne, I can assure I would love nothing more but I couldn't possibly take advantage of you in that way," he started, a strained look on his face. She rolled her eyes at him. Always the gentleman that Gilbert Blythe.

"How is it taking advantage if it is my idea?" she countered.

"But it's not proper and the risks..." the words tumbled out while his hand nervously ran through his wild curls. She reached out and grabbed his hand before he could worry his curls further. "Gilbert, I'm a grown adult and I can make my own decisions. I thought long and hard about this before asking. I don't want to go to bed alone aching for you again. You know propriety isn't my highest concern and there are plenty of ways to avoid pregnancy. You of all people should know that thanks to your medical training. Any other objections?" A soft smile crossed his face and she could see his resolve disappear.

"Who am I to argue with a redhead after she's made up her mind," he stated before capturing her lips yet again. Anne was surprised he didn't argue with her more (after all they were notorious for their lively arguments) but then again, judging by the growing bulge in his trousers, he wanted this just as much as she did. After a few more frantic kisses, she placed her hands on his chest and softly pressed him away from her. She could see the confusion on his handsome face before she stood and took his hand to lead him upstairs to her little blue bedroom.

As the door clicked shut behind them, Anne felt her resolve slip a little and her nerves fluttered back to the surface. She turned back to face Gil and her breath caught at the pure loving look on his face and the hunger reflected in his eyes. He wasn't moving at all, just watching her with adoration. She knew this beloved man would never hurt or push her. In that moment, she knew she loved him. She began to unbutton the small white buttons down the front of her blouse. Gilbert seemed to snap out of his trance and sprang into action. His nimble fingers took over the buttons and soon slipped inside to her breasts. She had purposefully left off her corset today so there was only her thin chemise between his hands and her skin. She made quick work of the buttons on his shirt before capturing his lips in a searing kiss. While the kiss deepened, Gilbert gently walked her back toward the bed. The back of her knees hit the mattress and together they tumbled down upon it.

Gilbert's leg thrust up between hers, pushing her skirt up and exposing much of her legs. She felt the wetness forming at her core and wriggled down until she found friction on his thigh right where she needed it. His lips moved down her neck and his hand moved up her thigh softly before finally his fingers reached her soaking wet core. She moaned loudly as his fingers teased her center. It wasn't the first time but the feeling still overwhelmed her every time. It only took a moment or two before she couldn't wait any longer. She pushed him away gently and caught sight of the confused look on his face before refocusing her attention on removing his trousers. Then her skirt hit the ground followed by her chemise. They moved together fully naked for the first time. Gil kissed her softly before shifting so that he was positioned between her legs.

"Anne-girl, I have to know you are completely sure about this," his voice was sincere and his beautiful chocolate eyes held nothing but love. She nodded without a second thought. "Make love to me Gil." He slid into her slowly before stilling. She was surprised that there was very little pain and she urged him to move. Slowly he began to pump in and out in a smooth rhythm. The slight discomfort soon gave way to a rising pleasure. Anne's fingers dig into his dark curls as her moans grew louder. Gilbert was nearly shaking and she could tell he was nearing his peak. She drug her nails down his back and suddenly he pulled out of her and came all over her stomach. She knew this was to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. Spent, he flopped down beside her. He then turned to her, a touch of concern in his eyes, "Did I hurt you?"

"Actually no. It was uncomfortable for a moment and then it was all good," she replied truthfully. He stood, giving her a lovely view of his taunt, naked rear, and fetched the towel from her dresser and gently cleaned his fluids from her stomach before discarding the towel and climbed back into the bed beside her. He smiled at her and reached over to give her a quick kiss on the lips before gathering her into his arms and covering them with the thin summer quilt. Anne drifted off to sleep, finally satisfied in her lovers arms.

I'm backkkk! I know it's been a minute. Life has been crazy: I took and passed the bar exam, I started a new job, we house shopped and sold our current house during a pandemic and we move in just over a week so packing has been taking up most of my spare time.

I still have lots of plans for this story. It is fully outlined start to finish- I just need to write it out. I hope you enjoyed this sexy chapter. More soon!

I hope everyone is safe and healthy and well!