~The drive~ Bob Floyd

NINE

PAST (they're around 17)

Bobby is the best boyfriend I could ever ask for. He's a gentleman, sweet, and has good hair. Our only problem in our relationship is that he's very hesitant about physically touching me. We've kissed and almost made out before, but besides that... nothing! Everything is not so much off limits, but he has been too scared to do it. Maybe it's because he doesn't want to overstep or make me feel uncomfortable, or perhaps he wants to wait til marriage. The latter choice wouldn't bother me. These past few years have shown that we don't need intimacy to love each other.

The one thing I liked about our relationship was that I felt no judgment when I wanted to talk to him—knowing that I wanted to ask him if he thought I didn't want to do more than kiss. So, I did just that.

"Hey, Peach? Can we chat for a minute?" I asked lightly. "Yeah, of course, we can." He says curiously as he places his paper back down. I scoot closer to him and look him dead in the eyes. "I-okay... I don't know how to say this. So here I go- I want to know why you haven't wanted to do anything more than kiss me. Is it me? Did I do something?" I say softly, so I don't seem mad. "Oh, I see. Doll, I've just never wanted to do anything that you didn't want to do. Do you understand? I  didn't want to do anything wrong and lose you... I'm-I'm sorry I shouldn't have asked." He says almost too quickly for me to understand. "Bobby, please don't apologize. I  didn't want to make you uncomfy, so I didn't ask." I mumble. He takes my face in his hands. "I want to do everything with you, Bern. Everything." He says, pressing his forehead to mine. "I think I might have to take you up on that offer," I say with my lips so close to his that I can taste his breath. "Can't wait." He sputters before pressing his lips to mine and pulling me back onto the couch with him.