Free Fighting Strong by Marysol James Page A

sure, baby?”
    She nodded. “I’m worried about nightmares. The closer we get to – to him, the more things are coming back to me. Things I’d forgotten or pushed far down.” Her eyes were tearing up. “I’m scared, Adam. Can you be there if I wake up?”
    He smiled. “Yes.”
    She heaved a sigh of relief and he felt her tremble. “Thank you.”
    He wanted to kiss her right then, but he didn’t. He wondered just how the hell he was going to stop himself from kissing her as they lay in bed together, their bodies pressed up against each other. And if he did kiss her and she did respond, how was he going to stop himself from doing more?
    OK, man. This is not about you; this is about what she needs. Cool it.
    “You’re welcome. I’m glad you asked.”
    “Me too.”
    “OK.” He cleared his throat. “You hungry?”
    “Actually, yes.”
    “Let’s check in, drop off our bags and go get some dinner. What do you say?”
    “I say that sounds good.”
    **
    A few hours later, Katie wiped her hand over the mirror, clearing the fog away. The bathroom was steamy and warm and it was making her drowsy again. She blinked hard and tried to focus.
    She heard Adam moving around in the bedroom outside the door. It sounded like he was unpacking a bit, maybe turning down the bed.
    The bed.
    Even though they had, technically, slept together on the same sleeping bag and under the same blankets the night before, something about sharing a bed felt – different. More official, more blatant. They weren’t like innocent kids on a sleepover or at summer camp, not anymore. This felt adult and totally acknowledged.
    She stared at herself, wondering what the night was going to bring. She didn’t feel anywhere near ready for sex, but her body did want something.
    How far do you want to go, Katie? And how far is Adam willing to go with you?
    She tugged his massive t-shirt down around her thighs and took a deep breath.
    Adam heard the bathroom door open and he turned.
    “Well,” he said. “Look at you in a white t-shirt.” He grinned. “You look great in a color other than black, you know.”
    “You think?”
    “Hell, yeah.”
    They gazed at each other.
    “You ready for bed?” he said.
    Katie nodded.
    “Come on, then.” He climbed in and patted the mattress next to him. “Come here.”
    She walked over slowly, sat on the edge of the bed. She looked at him.
    Adam was lying there in a t-shirt and boxer shorts. His face was open and gentle, his eyes warm. She smiled.
    He reached out and touched her hand, his thumb drawing tiny circles on her palm. “Whatever you want to do, Katie.”
    “I want to… to lie down.”
    He held out his arms and she nestled on to his chest. His arms went around her and she sighed as his hands ran up and down her back. He kissed the top of her head and she relaxed.
    He’s not going to force anything. You know that. You know him .
    She raised her head and looked up at him. Delicately, she traced his cheekbones, moved down to his chin, touched the curve of his mouth. He stayed totally still, those amazing blue eyes watching her face.
    Katie’s heart was beating faster now, her body warming up. She lifted herself up on his chest and he pulled her closer. She felt his heat on every inch of her, felt his hot breath on her face. She paused, noticing that she wasn’t tense or anxious, not at all. Then she kissed him.
    His lips were surprisingly soft and gentle. He let her take the lead, let her increase the pressure. She touched his face, pulling him closer and he went willingly. When her mouth opened, he touched her lips with his tongue, carefully, and when she gave a low moan, he stroked her mouth again, more strongly. She gasped and her fingers curled around his t-shirt.
    Adam pulled back for a second, looked in to her eyes. They were hazy and sweet and he kissed her again and again, letting the passion build between them. She tasted like peppermint and smelled like roses and he wanted to just sink in