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not beta'd

storyline - Sultry

prompt - streak

"I'm going home for the weekend," he says, stirring his coffee. He's being casual, but I know he knows this makes me nervous. It shouldn't, but it does. I think sometimes we both feel like this is too good to be true, that what we have is fragile.

It's been a week since Edward and I first kissed. We've only seen each other once since that night, mainly because we're so busy, but when Friday rolled around he emailed, asking if he could see me later on. I would have asked him had he not asked first, and I love knowing he craves my presence as much as I crave his.

But now he's telling me he's leaving tomorrow morning. My heart sinks. In the short time I've been truly acquainted with Edward, I've become attached. Even if we don't see one another as much as I'd like at this point, it's nice to know he's right across the Bay. Now he'll be in Washington State until Sunday night.

Biting my lip, I keep my eyes on the steam rising from my cup. "That's good. Your parents miss you, I know."

"My mom's had a bad week." He rubs his eyes. "You know how it is- some days are better than others."

I nod, because I do know. "I'll miss you."

He reaches across the little table and links our index fingers. "Me too."

Edward and I send a lot of texts over the next two days so when one comes through around ten thirty at night, I assume he's letting me know that he's back in the city. I'm wrong.

You up?

Grinning, I plop on to the couch. Yeah. U home yet?

Back in CA but on your side of the bay.

My heart skips a beat. Coming over?

The doorbell rings, answering my question (and my wishes). I can't believe he came to see me first. It feels good to matter to someone this way.

He looks exhausted and adorably scruffy with a chin full of stubble. We hug, and then I pull him into the warmth of my apartment.

"What are you doing here?" I ask, smiling.

"Wanted to see you. It's been a long weekend."

He looks dejected, and I just want to hold him. "What happened?"

"They've been going through Masen's old stuff. Finally. You know, what to save, what to sell or toss out."

I lead him to the living room and we get under my big blanket. "That must have been rough."

"It was. Is. Anyway, we talked a lot, catching up, and they seem pretty curious about you. It's been awhile since I was this serious about someone."

His words make me feel cherished, like I am finally someone's priority and not just an option. I don't know that I've ever felt this way, with anyone.

"… and they want to meet you."

"They do?" I blink in shock. What on earth did he tell them about me? "Do they know how we met?"

He laces his fingers through mine. "I told them. I wanted to."

"What did they say about it?" I'm so apprehensive; this is one of those things that can sound quite sordid if not put in to proper perspective.

"They're pretty supportive. Mom didn't really like hearing about the bullshit Masen pulled with you and Tanya…"

I stay silent, listening.

"They might come out in a couple of weeks, and if they do, they'll probably ask about you. Do you want to meet them?"

"Of course." The thought of meeting his parents definitely makes me nervous, but I'm glad it'll happen sooner than later. "I want to introduce you to my dad, too."

"Okay." He yawns, stretching his arms over his head.

"Do you want to just stay here tonight?" I blurt out. My face warms. That sounds a little forward, but he's got to know I mean to sleep.

He laughs a little, putting his palms on my likely red cheeks.

"I would. I'll have to leave early in the morning, though."

"That's okay; me too."

While he showers, I turn off the lights in my apartment and make sure the locks are secure. I was already in my pajamas when Edward came, so I brush my teeth – heart pounding at his naked proximity, safe behind the shower curtain – and climb in to bed. Even though we've kept things low key when it comes to getting physical, sleeping in the same bed is intimate in and of itself. I wonder what will happen tonight, what I want to happen.

"Turn off the light?" he asks, emerging from the steamy bathroom.

"Yes, please."

It goes dark, and then I feel him climb in next to me, his body super warm from his shower. We assemble ourselves in to an awkward tangle, and I don't know if we're trying to go to kiss or cuddle or just go to sleep.

I haven't kissed him since Wednesday night, when I met him for a late afternoon coffee in the city.

I'm antsy and yes… a little turned on by his presence.

"Edward?" I whisper in the dark.

"Yeah?" he whispers back, his fingers leaving a streak of heat across the skin my back. I arch against the contact.

I scoot even closer, and after feeling for his face, kiss him. He responds in kind, nudging me on to my back. He pushes his body between my legs, kissing me all the while. I run my fingers through his hair and he slides a hand up under my shirt, his fingertips grazing my ribs.

It's like the darkness gives us permission to go a little further than usual, to touch and feel when we usually only focus on what our mouths are doing. Our kissing gains momentum until I'm almost gasping. He feels so good, and all we're doing is rolling around.

Eventually, though, sleepiness overtakes the both of us. The passion wanes gently until we're quiet and still. Falling asleep next to Edward might be one of the safest, sweetest feelings I've ever felt.