“I didn’t want to take my purse to Peyton’s, so I took my house key off the ring.” My words come out in a stutter, likely caused by the uptick in anticipation of what could happen once I open the door. The lock clicks, and all that’s left is for me to push the lever down and open the door. I don’t know why I pause. It could be to catch my breath, to steady myself, or maybe my subconscious needs a moment to reflect where I’m at right now. Behind me, one of the most handsome men I’ve ever met wants to take me into my apartment and do God knows what with my body, and I want that. One thousand percent, I want to be with Julius Cunningham.
Julius decides for us and pushes my door open. He guides us into the room and shuts the door once we’re clear. It’s dark in here, with only the lights from the riverwalk illuminating some of the space. I find it peaceful and can only imagine what the view from Julius’s apartment looks like from the top floor. My view must pale in comparison to his.
“Would you like something to drink?” I ask as I step away. I unzip my jacket and take it off. For some reason, I’m afraid to look at him. Fearful he might see how desperately I want to be with him.
“No,” he says, breaking the silence in the room. “The only thing I want is you, Autumn.” He turns me toward him, and a small gasp escapes as Julius’s hand cups my cheek. He looks into my eyes and then rests his forehead against mine. I think we’re both nervous and excited right now. Our breathing increases. Our chests are rising and falling together. My hand trails up his arm until I get to his neck, and then my fingers are in his hair, pulling him closer to me.
Finally, our lips touch, and it’s like the first time all over again. Julius’s arm wraps around my waist, hugging me to his chest. My breath catches in anticipation of what is to come. My mouth opens slightly, beckoning him. Julius’s tongue touches mine, and it’s like we are back in the locker room. My hand goes to his shirt and tugs the hem. Julius steps back, and the loss I feel from not touching him is heartbreaking. Even though he’s standing in front of me, looking at me with his lustful eyes, I want to touch him. He watches me watch him, as he pulls the collar of his shirt. In one fell swoop, his bare chest is before me, and all I can do is swallow. My fingers itch to trace the lines of his pecs. My tongue darts out, wetting my lips when I see his happy trail. The waistband of his briefs shows slightly above his jeans, and it’s like a prelude to what’s hidden behind the denim he’s wearing.
I step forward with thoughts of kissing every inch of his chest, but then decide if he’s taking off his shirt, I might as well remove mine. My arms cross in front of my chest, and I grip the ends of my top, pulling until it’s off and laying on the floor. I keep staring at it while I work the clasp of my bra, only to have Julius stop me.
“You’re unwrapping my gift without me,” he says as his fingers undo the back of my bra.
His words make my knees weak. He sees me as a gift. I glance at him and start to pull my arms away. He stares intently and tosses my bra onto the growing pile of our mingled clothing. Without another thought, we’re kissing, and his hands are on my body, cupping my breasts. I push into him, needing the friction of our bodies touching.
Before I can register what is happening, he’s popped the button on my jeans and has them around my ankles. I help kick them off and relish in the way his mouth feels as he kisses and nips at my skin. I giggle as he picks me up, which makes him smile. I wrap my legs around his waist, and he carries me to the couch. I fully expect him to lay me down, but he doesn’t. He sits and leans back. It’s like he knows what I want. His fingers dig into my flesh, guiding me closer to where the bulge of his pants is. Julius sits up, cups my breast, and sets his mouth over my nipple. My head falls back, and in an instant, I’m grinding against him, moaning like a woman who hasn’t been touched in years.
His mouth is magical. And so are his fingers. He sucks and licks while his fingers twist and pull. Each action from him causes me to buck wildly against him. I haven’t had this much desire build within me in years. The need for him to be inside of me is urgent, but he doesn’t seem to want to move any faster. So I decide to take matters into my own hands. I reach between our bodies and start working the button on his jeans. As soon as the zipper is free, the bulge turns into a full-blown erection. I have no choice but to lean into him, to give me the angle I need to touch him. My hand slides into his boxers, and he smiles against my skin.