Keeping Claire

Chapter Thirty Six

                Chapter Thirty Six

Claire’s POV-

                I smiled as I clocked out of work, content with the events of the past couple of days. I was patching up old relationships and planting new ones. This was my road to recovery, and boy was I glad to be on it.

                Sam had to leave work early today, so I was left to close up shop. I didn’t mind, though. It gave me something to do while I thought about these past few months. As I made a few final adjustments to some CD shelves, I felt two strong arms wrap around me followed by sparks that shot up my body. I smiled because I knew who it was. A long time ago, I would have jumped, but not now.

                I smiled then turned around to find Cody with his infectiously cheeky grin. “Good evening, gorgeous.” He whispered into my ear as he kissed my neck. He planted kisses up and down my shoulder then left a trail back to my neck, up my chin, and finally landed on my lips, lingering there for a while. I couldn’t help myself, I leaned in and deepened the kiss, reaching up and lightly tugging at the nape of his neck. He moaned in approval as he moved his hands down over the curve of my hips all the way to my butt. I gasped lightly as he squeezed, not ready for his move. He chuckled lightly, causing me to laugh in return.

                “I think that we should go home now.” I whispered into his ear.

                He laughed and nodded. “Yes we do, princess.”               

                The ride home was short, but we both talked about our day. I told him about the little old woman that couldn’t find the CD she wanted and he talked about this teenager that always wanted to show him up at everything. Of course they didn’t because Cody is, well, Cody.

                When we got home, we both took a shower, and then we ate some macaroni and cheese. Once the kitchen was cleaned up, we lounged across the couch and watched reruns of NCIS. The early December rain was starting to set in, giving the place a relaxing feel.

                While Cody went to go make some coffee, a thought found its way into my head. I was thinking a couple of weeks ago about intimacy with Cody, but didn’t know how to start. Should I just ask him about it? Or should I just go for it, no questions asked? I debated this with myself as Cody brought me a cup of coffee. He sat down and pulled me into his lap, laughing heartily. “What are you thinking about so hard?” His innocent question had my mind racing with a million different thoughts at once. Should I ask him? Should I just go for it? What if I’m bad at it? What if I mess up and he doesn’t love me anymore? Will he even want to do that tonight? Am I really ready to do this or am I just telling myself that?

                “Claire?” Cody said.

                I looked up at him, but couldn’t find the words to describe what I was thinking about.

                “I know that you’re thinking about something that you want to say, so just say it.” He said lightly.

                Ehh, what the heck? “Okay,” I said hesitantly, “Here goes. So I’ve been getting these thoughts lately that you’re getting….well, bored.” I said, looking down at my hands.

                “Bored with what, princess?” He asked, brushing a piece of my hair behind my ear.

                “Bored as far as intimacy goes.” I said even more hesitantly than before.

                He smiled. “I’m not bored, babe. I’ve never been more alive than I have been these past few months. I don’t want to pressure you into anything that you aren’t ready to do.” He said, rubbing the now almost invisible scars on my wrists.

                “Well, that’s the thing. I kinda, sorta wanna try it…” I trailed off. I snuck a glance at his face, but I couldn’t tell what he was thinking. I shouldn’t have even bothered with this. “Never mind.” I whispered as I went to get up, but Cody’s hands kept me firmly in place.

                “Are you sure?” He asked calmly.

                “Well, I mean, Cody, I don’t even know how to do that.” I said. “I want to, but I don’t know how.”

                He chuckled. “It’s okay, I’ll teach you.” He winked at me and I blushed a thousand shades of red.            

                “And you’re positive you’ll be okay?” He questioned.

                He picked me up bridal style and carried me to the bedroom. The emotions I felt that night were among the indescribable. Each time we touched sparks were felt and I still can’t make sense of all the things I felt that night.

                I sat in bed afterwards and thought over what had just happened. Behind me, I felt Cody’s breath on my neck. He left a lingering kiss on my neck. “I love you.” He whispered.

                “I love you, too.” I replied.