Free Somebody Love Me (Journeys) by Michelle Sutton Page B

he'd brought me to and waited while he closed the door. A few sparse posters hung on the wall containing pictures of different rock bands. A twin-sized bed covered with crumpled sheets rested against the wall.
    I sure hoped the sheets didn't stink as bad as the rest of the house. I removed my jacket at the same time he removed his. We set them on the chair in the corner of the room.
    Mick smiled and grabbed me around the waist. He pulled me toward the bed so I sat on his lap. "Now where were we?" he whispered as he kissed my neck.
    Soon everything melded into the background except for the sensation of his hands roaming over me. I let him do whatever he wanted. He gazed into my eyes and gestured toward my shirt. "Can you take it off?"
    Though it was cool in the room, the heat between us made it bearable. I peeled off my tee shirt. He studied me and smiled, like he thought I was sexy sitting beside him wearing only my bra. He motioned toward the bed.
    I lay down beside him. We touched and explored each other's bodies, but I wasn't scared. Maybe because he was gentle and I was willing this time. Even odder than that, however, was the fact that I was completely sober.
    Had somehow getting on the pill made me less scared of pregnancy, so it was easier for me to do this? I didn't think so, but nothing else made sense.
    He must've heard my thoughts, because he asked, "You're on the pill, right?"
    I nodded, and from that point on there was no stopping him. He went full speed ahead, but it didn't end quickly like it had with my friends' brother. When he finished and sat up to light a cigarette, I marveled that I'd actually enjoyed feeling him inside me. Maybe this was what true love felt like. If not, it sure felt close.
    Though Mick barely knew me, I could tell from the way he kissed and touched me that he really liked me. Now all I had to do was figure out a way to make him love me. If having sex would do the trick, I didn't mind at all. In fact, I wanted to do it again.
    Mick studied me and smiled. "You liked that, didn't you?"
    I nodded and attempted to cover myself with one arm. "You were great, Mick. I don't have much experience, but I'd like to learn more. Will you teach me?"
    For a moment I thought Mick would choke on his cigarette. Instead, he lit another and handed it to me. We smoked them down to the nubs, and since he never responded, I started to get dressed. Maybe he didn't want to do it more than once.
    He touched my arm. "Don't get dressed yet. We still have time."
    "Okay. I'm not in a hurry." I returned my clothes to the pile and waited.
    Mick touched my hair and gazed into my eyes as if seeking permission for more. I didn't resist, so he bent to kiss my lips, then pulled me against him. Never before had I felt so wanted by a guy. It was the headiest feeling in the world. No wonder Jenny thought having sex with her boyfriend was true love. Right now I felt the same way.
    Later that night, Mick walked me home. I thought about inviting him inside, but decided not to risk it in case my parents didn't like him. Before he left, Mick asked if I'd meet him at Buttons again tomorrow night to play some more pool.
    "Sure. I'd love to hang out." I gave him the sweetest smile I could muster. "I really enjoyed tonight, Mick."
    He bent forward and kissed me again. Unlike most guys, he didn't hurry, but took his time. His kiss held promise, like there was more to come if I was interested. "I think I could fall in love with you, Missy."
    My heart pounded as he slowly turned and walked away. He spun on his heel and gave me a friendly wave, then reached into his jacket and pulled out a smoke. I watched him light up and flip his collar as he braved the elements and walked home.
    Did he really think he could love me? Or had he said those words because he knew that I desperately wanted to hear them?
    I decided in that moment, it really didn't matter. I was willing to take a risk and find out for myself where our relationship might lead. I