More Than Friends

Part 87 (Hardin)

Last night was the best feeling in the world. I got to hold Tessa while we fell asleep in our bed again.

I wake up before her, so I don't move and instead continue to hold her in my arms. After half an hour, I feel her start to shift in my arms.

"Good morning." She smiles at me as she turns to face me.

"Morning, baby," I say as I gently brush the hair off her forehead.

"What time is it?" She yawns.

"Almost noon."

"What?! How did I sleep so late?"

"It's okay. You were exhausted after last night," I chuckle.

"Yeah. I kind of was." She blushes.

"I think three times in one night is a record for us."

"It is," she giggles.

"I just couldn't get enough of you, Tess. I never will," I say and then kiss her perfect lips.

"So, you really missed me, huh?" she giggles.

"What gave it away?" I chuckle.

"I've never seen you like that before, Hardin. The way you ravished me... It was so sexy to see you that way."

"Tess, I had no idea how much you enjoyed being... 'ravished'," I chuckle as I nuzzle into her neck.

"Don't make fun," she giggles.

"I'm not. I want to know what turns you on," I purr in her ear.

"You," she says as she cups my cheek.

"Tess..." I whisper. I grab her hand and kiss the top of it.

"My sweet, gentle Hardin." She smiles.

"What should we do today, Tess?" I wrap my arm around her back and bring her to lay her head on my chest.

"You decide."

"I think you know what I'd like to do," I chuckle.

"What are you? An animal?!" she giggles.

"What can I say? You bring out my wild side."

"Well... not that I wouldn't love to let you ravage me all morning, but I'm a little sore from last night."

"Was I too rough, Tess?" I frown.

"No, no... But three times was a lot for me." She blushes.

"Well, it was very appreciated." I smirk.

"I could tell by the sounds you were making," she giggles.

"You weren't so quiet either, Miss Young."

"Shush!" she silences me by putting her finger to my lips. I playfully nibble at it until I have her roaring with laughter. "Stop!" she laughs.

"You have no idea what a beautiful sound that is."

"Me laughing?"

"Yes. I missed that and everything else about you."

"I never, ever, ever want to be separated from you again, Hardin."

"Then marry me," I say without thinking, but don't regret it.

"What?"

"Marry me, Tessa. We'd never be separated again."

"Hardin..."

"You just said that you never wanted to be apart. This is how we make that come true."

"I know what I said, but we can't get married."

"Why not?"

"We're in college. We don't even have careers yet."

"We'll figure all that out as we go. Just marry me."

"Hardin, you know how hard it is for me to say no to you."

"So, don't say no."

"Okay, I won't say no, but I have to say not right now."

"Tessa..."

"Hardin, please don't make me feel guilty about this," she begs

"Fine, Tessa. Not right now will have to be good enough, I guess. Don't take too long, though. I won't wait around for you forever," I joke.

"Oh, no?"

"Who am I kidding? I'll wait however long it takes for you to want to be mine forever."

"Hardin, I love you."

"And I love you, Tessa."