I lost my nerve the minute I was outside his hut. Standing there in my skimpy outfit, I remembered I was the one who'd sent him home. I was the one who'd told him we needed to step back and that his feelings for me couldn't be real. What was I thinking, going to see him and what? I still didn't even know why I was there. Was I just going to walk in and change the whole dynamic of our relationship and possibly even ruin the outstanding friendship we had? For what? Did I intend to fall into his arms and confess that I'd wanted him from the moment I saw him too?

"You know, I can hear you out there," he called from inside his hut, causing me to nearly jump out of my skin. "Just come in already."

Embarrassed by being caught and not wanting to look stupid by running, I took a deep breath and went inside to face my future.

Having never been in his hut, I was surprised by how cozy it was. I'd expected something akin to what I'd seen in movies, with a single bedroll and maybe some cooking supplies over a fire. The bedroll and utensils were there, but there was also a small outdoor stove set atop an average round table flanked by a couple of chairs. There was also a very basic wooden desk with a laptop and several books along with three solar-powered lamps that cast a soft glow throughout the open living area.

"Nice man-cave," I teased, trying to calm my nerves by using my ever-ready sense of humor.

He smiled as he gestured to a chair across from the one he was seated at. "Nice shorts."

I hugged myself as I shook my head, preferring to stay close to the door. "So, I was thinking about earlier. You know, the kissing and making out and stuff."

He nodded. "Me too."

"Cool. Cool." He seemed so far away in the few feet between us. I wanted to close the distance but couldn't will myself to move beyond the wall next to the door. "Glad we're on the same page. Why don't we talk about what you're thinking?"

He got up from his chair and took a step toward me. "I don't wanna talk."

"Oh. Okay." Damn him, I thought as I grasped for conversation. "I just thought it'd help. You know, you say what you're thinking. I say what I'm thinking. Just get it out there, you know?"

He took another step closer, that damned smile faintly curving the corners of his mouth. "What's on yours?"

"Me? Oh, you know." I shrugged. "I was just concerned that you'd be worried about what happened and start to withdraw if you were uncomfortable and I wanted to make sure you knew that what happened doesn't change our relationship. You've come so far and I don't want you to worry needlessly. We're still good. We're great, actually. So don't worry, okay?"

He took the final step toward me. He was so close I could almost feel the heat from his skin. My breath hitched as I looked up to see those smoldering eyes on me again.

"I wasn't worried about any of that." He licked his lower lip. "I was thinking trying to figure out how to get you to let me kiss you again. The bottle just didn't cut it."

I bit my lip, trying to figure out what to say next, but the predatory expression he wore left me speechless.

"I know we said we'd take it slow," he growled as his fingertips traced my arm. "But when you do that, it makes me crazy."

"This whole situation is crazy," I whispered, staring at his oh-so-kissable lips. "We're both a mess."

"I know." He finally let himself smile. "That's why we're perfect for each other."

My fingers moved of their own accord, coming to rest on his cheek. "What do you see in me?"

"What do you mean? Des, you're beautiful."

I shook my head. "No, I'm not. I'm just not."

"Yes, you are." He leaned forward, pressing me against the wall with his body. "And I'm gonna show you right now if you'll let me."

I didn't resist as he leaned down for what I thought was a kiss, but his mouth only stopped at my forehead while he nestled his nose in my hair and inhaled deeply.

"Your hair," he whispered. "It always smells like flowers."

"I wash it regularly," I tried to joke.

"That's probably why it's so soft." He lowered his lips to my eyelids, placing tiny kisses on each. "And your eyes are so expressive."

"Guess I shouldn't play poker, huh?"

He chuckled before kissing the tip of my nose. "You have the cutest little button nose. It's like a baby doll's. But those lips-" He hovered over them. "They're so soft and juicy, I just wanna eat them up."

"Shut up and kiss me, Bucky," I ordered as I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him to me.

His mouth enveloped mine, stealing away any sense of logic or reason I had left. I parted my lips and felt his tongue enter first carefully, then hungrily, as he pulled me away from the wall and turned us around. Wrapping his arm around my waist, he eased us toward his sleeping mat. My heart skipped a beat when my heel connected with the edge, but I didn't resist as he pulled me down beside him on it. Maneuvering me down on my back, he laid on his side so his hands could freely explore while we continued kissing. Slowly, he leaned back and looked into my eyes.

"I need to tell you something," he said in a reluctant whisper. "It's been… It's been a long time since…"

I smiled and stroked his cheek. "Yeah. Me too."

"I just don't want to-" He sighed. "I thought I should tell you so you won't be… disappointed if I'm a little… I just don't want to let you down."

I couldn't help but giggle. His gentle honesty was enough to make sure I was satisfied already. "There's no way you could, Bucky, but if you're not ready."

"Oh, I'm ready, doll." He shot a quick glance down then back up with a wicked grin. "I've been ready all day."

"Then shut up and make love to me."

"You like telling me to shut up, don't you?" He stroked my cheek before nipping my lower lip. "You're going to regret that one of these days."

"Are we gonna talk?" I laid back again, pulling him down with me. "Or are we gonna make some bad decisions?"

He laughed as he kissed me again, his hand sliding down my face as it glided along my throat before settling on my chest. His hand slightly trembled as he cupped my breast. In response, I moaned and leaned into his touch as he ran his thumb across the camisole clad nipple. It sprang to life, reveling in his calloused caress.

"You make me wish I had two hands again, doll," he teased as he followed the path his hand had made with his lips.

"You're doing just fine with the one," I said only seconds before he lowered my top and latched on eagerly; sucking in unabashed slurps before grazing the hyper-sensitive peak with his teeth. "Jesus, Bucky."

He only chuckled as his hand moved down my stomach and into the waistband of my shorts. My lower regions pulsed with anticipation as he slowly traced the outer lips through my clothes before slipping inside the leg of my shorts and inserting a finger inside.

My partly opened legs spread of their own accord, allowing him complete access. As he stroked me, he slowing worked each finger inside one at a time while his thumb continued to press tension against my needy center. He worked slowly, savaging my body with painfully slow movements in and out until he grazed my most responsive spot.

"Bucky," I whimpered, my hips rising from the mat to meet his strokes. "Please."

"Not yet, gorgeous," he responded, increasing his tempo. "I wanna take care of you first."

Already riding the edge, I dug my fingers into his hair and pulled his mouth to mine for a frantic kiss. The crush of his lips sent me over the edge, sending my body into mind emptying spasms that nearly brought tears to my eyes.

Before the climax subsided, he removed his hand and ripped away my shorts. He quickly pulled his pants open, cursing under his breath when he fumbled with a button. Finally aligning his body to mine, he kissed me before driving his entire length into me.

"Dammit, doll," he groaned, pushing further into me with each thrust. "I ain't gonna hold out long."

"Me neither," I managed through pants as I felt myself building up again. "Don't stop."

He abandoned all pretense of control and stabbed himself deeper and deeper until he erupted inside me. The feeling of his explosion sent me over the edge for a second time. I shook for several seconds after he collapsed on top of me with a contented sigh.

For several minutes, we laid there with his firm body on top of me while I stroked his hair, taking time to catch our breath.

"If that's what you consider bad," I said finally. "Good is probably going to kill me."

He chuckled as he rolled off me and pulled me close. "I don't know, gorgeous. You're amazing, but there's always room for improvement for me. You know what they say: practice makes perfect."

"Well, if you're looking for a workout partner, I'm your girl."

He laughed again. "I'll hold you to it."

Laying there next to him with my head on his chest, the weight of emotional rollercoaster I'd put myself through and the experience of making love to him began wearing on me and I quickly dozed off listening to the sound of his heartbeat.

I was barely conscious when I felt myself being dressed by a pair of strong but tender hands. Exhausted, I ignored the disruption and dozed off again until I was lifted to my feet.

"Put your arms around me, doll," I heard Bucky whisper.

"What's going on?" I asked even as I followed his instructions.

"I'm taking you home." His hand cupped my bottom before I was hoisted up like a baby being carried by their parent. "Can't have my girl sleeping on the floor, can I?"

"Your girl." I snuggled into his warm chest. "That what I am now?"

"Sure are." He tenderly kissed my forehead as he laid me down on my bed. "My beautiful girl."

I smiled and quickly fell back asleep; not a care in the world.