-1Author's Note: I realize this update took some time to get to you. I apologize for that. I started a new job, which takes up quite a bit of my time. I also hit a spell where I thought my writing mojo was gone. It isn't wonderful or anything, but it does set up a future story line.
A lock of blonde hair fell across down cast chocolate colored eyes as long, slender fingers arranged intricately painted leaves on a black cork board. Each leaf had been carefully selected, chosen for their upraised veins. The veins had been outlined with glue, then dusted with a bronze powder borrowed from her make up bag.
"How does it look?" Her head lifts, the lock of hair brushing her cheek. She stared at him, her large eyes wide as she waited for his answer with anticipation. A smile stretches across his lips as he studies the poster size art work Izzie had created. Bronzed leaves blowing across the night sky. Not too girly, like the glittery leaves he had just seen Mark attempting to pin up on his door. Not too childish, like the cutesy apple tree Derek was sporting outside his room.
"I like it." Reaching out, Alex tucks the lock of hair behind her ear. He let's his fingers linger on the soft skin of her cheek. She always felt so soft, her skin like silk. He trails his fingers down the gentle curve of her neck. Her body responds the way he knew it would, tiny goose bumps prickling her flesh. Her breath quickens as lowers his mouth to her's.
It felt so good, having her body flush against his. His mouth breaks free from her's, moving slowly along her throat. Her fingers dig into his shoulders, and a small squeak escapes her lips when he nips the small indentation between her neck and collar bone.
"Alex," Izzie gasps, her fingers digging even deeper into his skin. He barely notices the sting as he slides his hands up her hips. Her slender body trembles slightly when his hand cups one small breast. He waits for her to say 'stop' or for her to move away. She does neither. Instead, she moves closer. Instinct told him to lock the door and move her towards the bed. Logic told him to move slow. While the two warred, he started to slide his hand towards the hem of her sweater. The moment his fingers touched the smooth skin of her abdomen she jerked away. "I can't…"
Pressing his lips in a thin line, Alex's brow wrinkles. He wasn't going to be that guy, the one who pressured. He could see it in her eyes, if he pushed the right buttons she would cave. He wouldn't do it though. No matter how much his body was telling him to.
"I'm sorry," she whispers. Her gaze had dropped to the floor, her arms crossed over her chest. A slight flush had crept up her cheeks. "I just…I'm sorry."
Frowning, Alex rubs a hand across his short dark hair. She was sorry? She hadn't done anything wrong. "No. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have…" His voice trailed off. The room fell into a awkward silence, neither of them looking at the other. He clears his throat, not sure what to say. "I really am sorry," he says finally. She nods, still not looking at him. "I won't…"
Her head jerks up. "It's that I don't want to…it's just…I…" A scarlet flush was staining her face, giving her the appearance of being over heated. "I'm not ready for…" If it was at all possible, her face grew an even darker red. The tip of her pink tongue darts out to lick her lips. Something odd crosses her face, this compelling mixture of confusion and conflict. "I'm not a prude, contrary to what Cristina thinks, and it's not that I don't want too…its just…I don't know…I guess I'm not ready." Her breath gushes out in a loud whoosh. "I mean, come on we've only had one and a half dates, both of which have been school functions." The words were a bit shaky. A quick glance at her hands revealed that they were shaking as well.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have…" He winces, realizing he was parroting his earlier apology. "Look, let's just forget it happened okay? Go back to talking about the leaf thingy." Alex waves his hand in the direction of the poster Izzie had made. A second look revealed a faint outline of his name in the small dashes that trailed the leaves. "It's kinda cool looking. Way better than Sloan's glitter leaves."
Izzie shakes her head, a smile flittering across her lips; lips that were still a bit swollen from their kiss. She moves closer to him, hesitation in her gaze. "What if I don't want to forget it happened? What if I…like…" the flush creeps back up her neck. "Maybe we could just go slow. See where it goes?" Her dark eyes search his face, her chest pausing as she holds her breath waiting for him to respond. When he nods, her breath comes out in a relieved whoosh. "So you really like the leaf thingy?"
"Yeah," Alex grins, "I really like the leaf thingy."